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063 - AJ's Fine Cheese Specialist - Scottsdale Rd. & Lincoln

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Part-time
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

competitive compensation
Retirement benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Scholarship Opportunities
store discount programs

Job Description

AJ's Fine Foods is a well-established gourmet grocery retailer known for its commitment to high-quality products, outstanding customer service, and a strong connection to the communities it serves. With multiple store locations, AJ's Fine Foods specializes in offering a curated selection of artisanal and specialty food items, including fresh produce, organic options, bakery goods, and an impressive cheese program. The company focuses on providing a welcoming and engaging shopping environment where customers can explore a variety of unique foods, learn about different culinary selections, and enjoy a memorable retail experience.

As a Cheese Specialist at AJ's Fine Foods, you will play a vital role in shaping the shopping journey for customers by owning and managing the artisan cheese program in your store. This position is central to enhancing the customers' experience through knowledgeable guidance, inspired hospitality, and interactive product exploration. Your responsibilities will include offering product samples, educating guests on the diverse range of cheeses, and creating entertaining solutions to elevate the shopping experience.

The role demands a hands-on approach to the day-to-day operations of the cheese department, requiring attention to detail, a passion for cheese, and excellent customer service skills. Beyond simply maintaining the cheese displays, you will work closely with the team to ensure cleanliness, proper signage, and strategic merchandising to support promotions and sales growth. You will also collaborate with Cellar Masters to coordinate wine and cheese pairings and participate in annual events that highlight the cheese selection.

Maintaining adequate stock levels, rotating products, and minimizing shrinkage are key operational aspects of this role. You will be responsible for purchasing, receiving, and managing inventory, so organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are essential. Additionally, safety and sanitation adherence within the cheese department is critical to providing a clean and professional shopping area.

AJ's Fine Foods offers a dynamic and enjoyable work environment where your expertise can shine. Along with competitive weekly pay, employees benefit from retirement plans, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options for themselves and eligible dependents, tuition reimbursement, and scholarship opportunities to support continuous education. The company fosters a culture that values employee growth, community involvement, and the chance to make a positive impact through exceptional food experiences.

This position requires candidates to be at least 18 years of age, with those serving alcohol needing to be 21 or older. AJ's Fine Foods encourages internal transfers, promotions, and rehire candidates, though approvals and recommendations are part of the process to ensure a good fit within the team. Whether you are a seasoned cheese expert or passionate about expanding your knowledge in artisan cheese selections, this role provides a unique opportunity to turn your love of cheese into a rewarding career at a respected grocery retailer.

Job Requirements

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must be 21 years of age for any position that serves alcohol
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
  • Capability to lift and stock items up to 50 lbs
  • Experience working in a retail or food service environment preferred
  • Ability to work flexible hours including weekends
  • Excellent customer service skills

Job Qualifications

  • Knowledge of artisan cheese types, origins, flavor profiles, and aging processes
  • Experience in customer service and hospitality roles
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to maintain cleanliness and merchandising standards
  • Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation practices

Job Duties

  • Engages with and educates guests about artisan cheese while providing inspired hospitality
  • Maintains an inspired cheese department with attention to detail including cleanliness, signage, selection, and cross merchandising
  • Creates and maintains store conditions by sustaining excellent in-stock conditions and facing standards for cheese, olive bar, and cracker/condiment displays
  • Plans and maintains an active sampling program with scheduled samplings during peak hours
  • Partners with Cellar Masters on wine and cheese pairings and annual events
  • Responsible for purchasing, receiving, stocking, product rotation, and maintaining appropriate product levels to drive sales and minimize shrinkage
  • Ensures all safety and sanitation processes are followed and maintains a clean and organized backstock and production area
  • Completes cheese inventory each period
  • Supports Bistro Department Team Leader in relevant tasks and other assigned duties

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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