Master Cheesemonger

WHO WE ARE

At Metropolitan Market, we believe food brings people together, and that’s why it is at the heart of everything we do. As a premier grocery retailer in the Puget Sound region since 1971, we have spent over 50 years serving our communities as a best-in-class destination known for our fresh, high-quality, and innovative offerings.

Our team is driven by a shared commitment to legendary service. Whether serving guests on the sales floor or working behind the scenes, we bring sincerity, care, and attention to detail to every interaction. Our stores are built on exceptional quality and guest service standards, creating an environment where team members take pride in their work and the impact they have every day.

Position Description

Metropolitan Market

Position Title: Master Cheesemonger

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification: Union

Department: Operations, Prepared Foods/Cheese

Reports To: Prepared Foods Team Leader

Job Summary: As a key leader of our Cheese Department, this position is responsible for product management, ads and promotions, merchandising, quality control, food safety, sanitation, sales generation, gross margins, labor and general expense control, personnel development, guest service, and profitability related to specialty cheese products, deli meats and cheeses, and olive and antipasto offerings. Provides Cheese Department team members with knowledge of all cheese products, including training in proper product storage, sanitation, production, sale preparation, merchandising, tasting, and food and beverage pairing. Educates guests on specialty cheese products and related pairings.

Essential Functions (include, but are not limited to the following) :

I. Product Management

• Ensures proficiency in cheese production tasks; consistently achieves all cheese production procedures, sanitation, and cutting and wrapping standards; ensures cheese quality and freshness through product rotation and portion control; works to guarantee products are properly labeled; promptly notifies Prepared Foods Team Leader of any difficulties with labeling procedures or equipment.
• Develops and maintains product displays that create an exciting marketplace; strives to develop displays that pique guest interest and impact guest buying trends.
• Ensures effective ordering of cheese products; maintains product inventory at a level that promotes creative, effective merchandising, and maximizes sales potential.
• Determines order quantities and verifies cost of goods. Effectively interacts with vendors as needed.
• Ensures all mis-picks, damaged goods, and credits are processed and managed within established guidelines.
• Verifies correct invoice billing, including confirmationthrough the weekly general ledger and cheese receiving log sheets; follows-up and resolves inaccurate billing; ensures the Accounts Payable Team Member is alerted to discrepancies between shipping document amount and invoice amount; ensures the Prepared Foods Team Leader is alerted to variances from vendor quoted or anticipated product cost and invoiced amount.
• Assesses product quality and provides timely feedback to Prepared Foods Team Leader, Cheese & Charcuterie Category Manager, and/or vendors.
• Ensures all outdated products are pulled, recorded, and discarded from Cheese Department sales areas on a daily basis; determines proper replacement product quantities and promptly prepares in compliance within established guidelines.
• Assumes responsibility and management of shrink; reports shrink to the Prepared Foods Team Leader.
• Ensures designated informational and price point signing is posted for all products.

• Develops and maintains specialty cheese product information material; including beverage, fruit, and food pairings, to ensure increased sales, guest satisfaction, and repeat business.

• Maintains stocking standards that ensure high product quality, including rotation procedures. Incorporates cleaning with stocking and rotation requirements.
• Effectively plans and performs physical inventory on a quarterly basis, or as needed.

II. Operations

• Determines daily projects; ensures daily tasks and assignments are accomplished correctly and in a timely manner.

• In partnership with the Prepared Foods Team Leader, writes cheese department area work schedule; effectively allocates labor to accomplish operational goals to best service Guests and achieve labor budget.
• Uses work-related equipment correctly under manufacturer guidelines.
• Ensures the safety, cleanliness, and proper working order of equipment.
• Adheres to all food safety and sanitation requirements. Consistently demonstrates knowledge of HACCP and Department of Health provisions, shares knowledge with team members for the purpose of training.

• Adheres to company guidelines regarding prevention of internal and external loss, including risk management, accident prevention/safety awareness, and loss prevention.
• Participates in Cheese Department staff meetings and store staff meetings as required.
• Effectively uses telephone, paging, and voice mail systems in a professional manner.

• Informs Prepared Foods Team Leader and/or Prepared Foods Assistant Team Leader of personnel issues and/or concerns.
• Contributes to a productive, enjoyable work environment; fosters working relationships that promote positive team morale. Effectively utilizes the Company’s Open Door and Conflict Resolution programs as needed. Gives and receives input/feedback in a solution-based manner.

• Fully capitalizes upon training, mentoring, and counseling opportunities. Actively identifies methods/ways to improve job performance and further contribute to the department as a whole. Self-initiates training and consistently demonstrates accountability.

III. Training

• Provides basic cheese knowledge and product information to the Cheese Department team members; coaches how to discuss products with guests in an appealing manner when educating and sampling cheese with team members.
• Effectively trains Cheese Department team members in the areas of cheese production including, packaging, portion control, equipment use, and proper handling and storage of products.
• Effectively adheres to and trains Cheesemongers on correct cheese production procedures, sanitation, and standards as instructed by the Cheese Department leadership and Cheese & Charcuterie Category Manager.

IV. Leadership

• Effectively builds and maintains morale, provides motivation and feedback, fosters a cohesive, productive team.
• Assists the Prepared Foods Team Leader and Prepared Foods Assistant Team Leader with recruitment and hiring of Cheese Department non-supervisory team members, including active recruitment of potential department team members (e.g., communicates with local schools, businesses, and organizations, and networks within the community and industry). At all times, ensures an ample qualified group of candidates is identified, available, and interested in joining our team.

• Actively participates in the management of department team member relations, including team member training, performance appraisals, coaching, counseling, and corrective action; actively participates in staff recognition and retention programs.
• In partnership with the Prepared Foods Team Leader and Prepared Foods Assistant Team Leader, conducts Cheesemonger team member performance evaluations.

• Leads by example, provides team members with clear expectations and timely feedback.
• Effectively delegates and follows-up with Cheesemongers.
• Actively leads and participates in product promotions/focuses.
• Provides team members with information necessary to their positions; actively communicates; works to involve and educate all Cheese Department team members.
• Actively shares our company’s vision with employees and guests.
• Assists the Prepared Foods Team Leader in the development of team members; leads team members in career pathing and personal development; prepares team members for advancement/promotion.

V. Guest Service

• Immediately greets all guests; demonstrates genuine enthusiasm and sincerity; customizes approach to meet guest needs and build rapport. Creates guest loyalty through individualized service.
• Anticipates guest needs and questions related to products; works actively to remain knowledgeable and current in areas of responsibility, including product knowledge (e.g., product tasting, cutting-edge trends, product use research, and vocabulary development). Effectively follows through with guests, including item requests, questions, and concerns.
• Effectively assesses guests’ needs and appropriately suggests products. Offers guests opportunities to interact with products.
• Actively seeks out product knowledge and adheres to approved product sampling methods and expectations; presents product knowledge in a positive, appealing manner that promotes increased sales and best serves the guest.

• Develops customer base by providing excellent guest service throughout the store; effectively secures the assistance of other store personnel as needed.

• Readily provides guests information on store layout, services, and activities (e.g., promotions and special products).
• Trains all Cheese Department team members on guest service expectations and techniques; ensures guest service expectations are consistently achieved on a department-wide basis.

• Maintains specialty cheese area in a clean, organized, guest-friendly manner; consistently provides guests a professional, upbeat atmosphere.

VI. Miscellaneous

• • Upholds all Metropolitan Market policies and procedures; adheres to all applicable local, state, and federal laws; adheres to applicable UFCW Union contract provisions.
  • Performs all job responsibilities with professionalism and appropriate discretion/confidentiality as determined by the Company’s policies, procedures, and expectations; acts accordingly at all times while representing the Company (including activities/functions away from the store location).
  • Consistently presents a professional personal image, including impeccable execution of the Company’s General Dress Guideline/Uniform Standards and Professional Image Standards.
  • Adheres to workplace cleanliness and personal hygiene standards.
  • Works a flexible schedule as required by business needs, to include potential participation in industry-related trade shows and/or events.
  • Achieves Metropolitan Market attendance requirements.
  • Identifies opportunities for enhancement or improvement of processes/systems. Communicates promptly to the Prepared Foods Assistant Team Leader. Recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
  • In the absence of the Prepared Foods Team Leader and Prepared Foods Assistant Team Leader, directs product management related matters of a time-sensitive or department-vital nature to the Prepared Foods & Cheese Coordinator; operational issues will be directed to the Store Director team.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by the Prepared Foods Team Leader, Prepared Foods Assistant Team Leader, Store Director team, and/or Cheese & Charcuterie Category Team Leader.

VII. Physical Requirements

• Utilizes a variety of specific job-related equipment as required or assigned by an appropriate Team Leader or supervisor.
• Reference page five of the Metropolitan Market Master Cheesemonger Position Description.

Qualifications/Skills Required: To successfully perform the requirements of this position, an individual must consistently execute each essential function at a satisfactory level. The requirements listed in the following text are representative of the knowledge, experience, and skill levels required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum four years experience in cheese product merchandising, production, sanitation, and sales; one year supervisory experience in a cheese service environment preferred.
• Must possess a minimum of three years of Guest service experience.
• Proven ability to positively affect sales generation.
• Possess strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP/Department of Health guidelines.
• Possess effective merchandising and display skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality output while working within deadlines a must. Sense of urgency required. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of self-motivation; takes initiative; problem solves.
• Possesses comprehensive product information with a proven history of using knowledge to best service Guests. Demonstrates a strong knowledge and understanding of cheese, including ingredients, applications, pronunciations, and culinary skills. Possesses a genuine passion for food.
• Capable leadership skills; proven success as a team member. Ability to effectively delegate and follow-through.
• Exceptional guest service skills.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills required; effective written communication skills necessary.
• Demonstrates an interest in learning; possesses a strong interest in food and related products.

• Proven ability to interact and perform all job responsibilities with professionalism and confidentiality essential.
• Proven ability to meet attendance requirements, dependable.
• Able to lift and carry unassisted 25 pounds with frequency; able to lift and carry unassisted 50 pounds occasionally.

Additional Performance Factors (include, but are not limited to the following) :

• Dependability: The team member can be depended upon to report to work as scheduled and is seldom absent from work. The team member can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner, and is conscientious about work assignments and deadlines.

• Communication: The team member communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the Company.

• Work Relationships: The team member works effectively and relates well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the Company. The team member exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to build and maintain constructive working relationships. The team member accepts and applies constructive feedback in a professional and effective manner that enhances performance and resolves performance deficiencies.

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Team Member Name (Print) Signature Date

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Supervisor Name (Print) Signature Date

Metropolitan Market

Position Description Physical Requirements: Master Cheesemonger

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive pay

• 20% team member discount

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (very low cost to team members)

• Health savings accounts (subject to qualified medical plans)

• Flexible spending arrangements (subject to qualified medical plans)

• Company-funded disability and life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program available to all team members

• Retirement plans available to all team members

• Generous paid time off benefits

• Sick/safe leave provided consistent with local and state requirements

• Reduced cost ORCA Card program for King County team members

• Education support

• Career development opportunities

The specific programs and options available to any given team member are dependent upon eligibility factors such as position, date of hire, work location, and terms of applicable collective bargaining agreements.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): It is the policy of Metropolitan Market, LLC that all employees and applicants be afforded equal opportunities in employment without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, age, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, sensory, mental, or physical disability, whether actual or perceived, or retaliation for engaging in an EEO protected activity. The Company prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any of these categories, or any other bases protected under applicable local, state, or federal law.

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