Cheese Department Associate

Cheese Department Associate

Work with associates in the cheese department to ensure that all objectives and goals of the department and store, as communicated by the cheese department manager and store director, are met or exceeded. This position is responsible for the production of specialty cheese items such as mozzarella, pimento and other cheese spreads, and grating and cutting fresh parmesan for packaging.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• When on the sales floor, create an outstanding customer experience through exceptional customer service. Follow through on all customer questions and requests.
• Understand why our products are different than conventional stores, and be able to communicate the differences to customers.
• Follow recipes to create specialty cheese items ensuring high quality of taste and presentation.
• Ensure that cheese quality, quantity, freshness, and presentation meet all company standards (freshest and highest quality)
• Properly package and wrap products for retail sale. Make sure cutting, wrapping and labeling of product looks neat, presentable and appetizing.
• Maintain all product in the department by checking the date and quality, rewrapping and/or trimming as needed to maintain excellence.
• Ensure all items are labeled, dated, covered and rotated. Keep department supplies filled and maintained.
• Keep all cases, floors, shelves and work station clean.
• Work with team members to ensure the selling floor/aisles are cleared and well maintained.
• Maintain sanitation conditions in the department, comply with safety procedures, identify unsafe conditions and notify store management.
• Perform opening and closing responsibilities as scheduled

Qualifications

• Cheese knowledge is a plus
• Excellent customer service skills and a positive attitude.
• Ability to collaborate and lead as well as be self-directed.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments at once.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to learn and retain an in-depth knowledge of all products carried in department.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures.
• Effective time management skills, strong work ethic and integrity.
• Able to answer customer questions in a clear and service-oriented manner.
• Able to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the department. Which include working days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Must have regular and reliable attendance.
• Must have a valid Oregon Food Handler card

Education and experience

Successful experience working in a retail environment with strong demonstrated customer service skills. Ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of artisan cheese and/or food production experience.

Language skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations. Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from other managers, store managers, vendors & customers.

Reasoning ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems.

Physical demands

• Stand for long periods of time
• Bend, lift, push and pull carts with heavy loads
• Proper use of a box cutter, knives, cheese slicer and other department devices
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
• Frequent bending, stooping, and climbing
• Frequent use of stairs
• Repetitive stretching and lifting required

Work environment

• Exposure to temperature variations and wet conditions
• May walk and work on uneven surfaces
• Requires reaching above and below shoulder height
• May need to use a ladder or stool to reach product or supplies
• Exposure to continuous background noise
• Walking surfaces are sometimes slick
• Any item over 40 pounds requires a team lift