Master Cheesemonger

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, customer service, and profitability related to specialty cheese products, deli meats and cheeses, and olive and antipasto offerings.

Specific Job Duties:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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 managers of any difficulties with labeling procedures or equipment.
• Ensures effective ordering of specialty cheese products; maintains product inventory at a level that promotes creative, effective merchandising, and maximizes sales potential.
• Assesses product quality and provides timely feedback to Prepared Foods Manager, Prepared Foods Assistant Manager, Prepared Foods & Cheese Coordinator, and/or vendors.
• Maintains stocking standards that ensure high product quality, including rotation procedures. Incorporates cleaning with stocking and rotation requirements.

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

• Readily participates in product promotions and focuses.
• Adheres to food temperature requirements, including hot and cold holding specifications. Promptly discards any products that do not meet HACCP and Department of Health standards, or appear less than presentable under Metropolitan Market’s quality expectations.
• 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.
• Provides outstanding customer service and readily communicates product information to increase sales and meet revenue goals; uses product information to increase sales and best service customers.

• Provides basic cheese knowledge and product information to the Cheese Department team members; coaches how to discuss products with customers in an appealing manner when educating and sampling cheese with team members.

• Assists with quarterly physical inventories and practices inventory control.
• Prevents internal and external loss.
• Demonstrates dependability and flexibility; meets attendance requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Prepared Foods management.

Skills Required / Qualifications:

Candidates will be selected from applicants having the best combination of the following qualifications:

• Minimum four years experience in cheese product merchandising, production, sanitation, and sales.

• Must possess a minimum of three years of customer service experience.

• One year supervisory experience in a cheese service environment preferred.

• Must possess a minimum of three years of customer service experience.

• 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 customers.

• Strong communication skills.

• Ability to effectively follow-through.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to positively affect sales generation.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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
• Wage/salary range: $24.00 - $27.00

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.

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, sex (including gender identity and gender stereotypes), national origin, religion, disability, or retaliation for engaging in an EEO protected activity. The Company prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any of these categories, as well as on age, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, military service, or any other bases protected under applicable local, state, or federal law.