What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cheese Replenishment Buyer / Deli Counter Service position at Valley Natural Foods?
Description
Are you passionate about artisan cheese, high-quality deli products, and building connections with local producers? Do you love helping customers discover new flavors while creating an inviting and knowledgeable shopping experience? If so, we want YOU to be our Cheese Replenishment Buyer & Deli Counter Service at Valley Natural Foods!
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- A supportive, inclusive workplace that values diverse abilities and strengths
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- A store discount to fuel your passion for natural, organic, and local foods
What You'll Do:
- Curate & Purchase – Select and stock an exciting, well-balanced cheese selection, working with local and national producers to bring in high-quality products.
- Deli Counter Excellence – Assist customers with cheese, charcuterie, and specialty deli items, providing pairing suggestions and product knowledge.
- Inventory & Merchandising – Maintain stock levels, organize displays, and ensure products are fresh and appealing.
- Educate & Engage – Share your passion for cheese through tastings, signage, and customer recommendations.
- Build Vendor Relationships – Work directly with vendors and distributors to ensure the best selection and pricing.
What We’re Looking For:
- A love for cheese and deli products - experience in food retail, cheese buying, or culinary arts is a plus!
- Strong customer service skills - you're approachable, knowledgeable, and ready to help.
- Attention to detail and organization - you’ll be tracking inventory, pricing, and quality.
- A collaborative spirit - our co-op thrives on teamwork and community values.
Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications:
- Ability to provide excellent service and demo products to customers
- English proficiency
- MN Department of Health regulations
- Organic vs. local vs. conventional
- Excellent time management, organizational and communication (oral, aural, and written) skills
- Able to remain flexible to the changing needs of the business
- Regular, predictable attendance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience
- Previous customer service and/or demo experience
- Proficiency in MS Office and POS systems
- Familiarity with natural foods, grocery industry or cooperatives
- Demonstrated objectivity, neutrality, and calmness under pressure and timely follow-through to commitments
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift/push/pull/carry up to 30 pounds frequently; 30-50 pounds occasionally
- Manual dexterity with ability to reach, grasp and perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, and fingers for extended periods of time
- Mid-to-general range visual acuity to evaluate and interact in working environment and operate deli equipment for extended periods of time
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
- Regular exposure to refrigerated/frozen and hot/humid environments
- Ability to climb ladders, kneel, crouch, and bend occasionally required
- Ability to be exposed to, work with, and directly handle dietary allergies including, but not limited to: gluten, wheat and flours; dairy and soy; meats and shellfish; peanuts and tree nuts
- Ability to work safely with sanitation supplies
Reports To: Deli, Meat & Seafood Manager
Department, Status and Salary: Deli, Full Time, Hourly (At-Will)
Valley Natural Foods Core Competencies
- Adaptability/Flexibility/Dependability
- Communication/Listening Skills
- Customer Service/Customer Focus
- Integrity/Ethics
- Sense of Urgency/Productivity
- Planning/Managing Results
- Work Environment/Safety/Job Knowledge
Position Specific Competencies
- Budgets/Cost Control
- Creativity/Innovation/Initiative
- Decision Making/Judgment
- Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills
The information above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performance by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. VNF management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. This is not an employment contract and does not interfere with MN’s Employment At Will Law.
Salary : $17 - $19