063 - AJ's Fine Cheese Specialist - Scottsdale Rd. & Lincoln
Job Overview
Employment Type
Part-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
competitive compensation
Retirement benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Scholarship Opportunities
store discount programs
fun work environment
Job Description
AJ's Fine Foods is a renowned specialty grocery store known for offering high-quality artisanal products with a focus on exceptional customer experiences. Established as a neighborhood favorite, AJ’s prides itself on sourcing the finest ingredients and providing its guests with unique and memorable shopping journeys. It is a company that values community, quality, and culinary inspiration, creating an atmosphere where customers can explore premium food selections and enjoy personalized attention. As part of AJ’s commitment to excellence, the company seeks passionate individuals who share its enthusiasm for food and hospitality to join their team in various dynamic roles.
The role of Cheese Specialist at AJ's Fine Foods is a key position within the artisan cheese program, responsible for curating an exceptional cheese department that delights customers and drives sales growth. The Cheese Specialist acts as the ambassador of the cheese program, providing expert knowledge, tastings, and personalized service that enhances the guest experience. This full-time position involves daily hands-on management of cheese inventory, merchandising, product rotation, and sampling events that showcase the rich flavors and diverse origins of cheeses offered in-store.
Working in a fast-paced retail environment, the Cheese Specialist must combine efficiency with warmth to educate and engage customers about different cheese varieties, flavor profiles, and pairing options. By maintaining an organized, visually appealing, and fully stocked cheese department, the specialist ensures the store meets high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and product availability. Collaborating closely with the store’s Cellar Masters, the specialist also helps organize wine and cheese pairing events, contributing to AJ’s reputation as a culinary destination.
This role calls for a person who is not only skilled in product knowledge but also attentive to operational details such as safety, sanitation, inventory accuracy, and shrink reduction. The Cheese Specialist participates in quarterly vendor presentations to stay updated on new artisan products and offers valuable feedback for cheese selections. Additionally, the person supports broader store departments and may assist with other related tasks as assigned.
The ideal candidate will find working at AJ's enriching due to the competitive compensation paid weekly, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as opportunities for continued education through tuition reimbursement and scholarships. A supportive team environment encourages professional growth and the chance to contribute to a community-focused company that values hospitality and quality. This position requires a minimum age of 18 years and involves physical activities such as standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, stocking, and walking. AJ’s Fine Foods offers a fun and engaging workplace where team members make a meaningful impact by helping customers nourish their lives with the finest artisan cheeses and related gourmet products.
The role of Cheese Specialist at AJ's Fine Foods is a key position within the artisan cheese program, responsible for curating an exceptional cheese department that delights customers and drives sales growth. The Cheese Specialist acts as the ambassador of the cheese program, providing expert knowledge, tastings, and personalized service that enhances the guest experience. This full-time position involves daily hands-on management of cheese inventory, merchandising, product rotation, and sampling events that showcase the rich flavors and diverse origins of cheeses offered in-store.
Working in a fast-paced retail environment, the Cheese Specialist must combine efficiency with warmth to educate and engage customers about different cheese varieties, flavor profiles, and pairing options. By maintaining an organized, visually appealing, and fully stocked cheese department, the specialist ensures the store meets high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and product availability. Collaborating closely with the store’s Cellar Masters, the specialist also helps organize wine and cheese pairing events, contributing to AJ’s reputation as a culinary destination.
This role calls for a person who is not only skilled in product knowledge but also attentive to operational details such as safety, sanitation, inventory accuracy, and shrink reduction. The Cheese Specialist participates in quarterly vendor presentations to stay updated on new artisan products and offers valuable feedback for cheese selections. Additionally, the person supports broader store departments and may assist with other related tasks as assigned.
The ideal candidate will find working at AJ's enriching due to the competitive compensation paid weekly, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as opportunities for continued education through tuition reimbursement and scholarships. A supportive team environment encourages professional growth and the chance to contribute to a community-focused company that values hospitality and quality. This position requires a minimum age of 18 years and involves physical activities such as standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, stocking, and walking. AJ’s Fine Foods offers a fun and engaging workplace where team members make a meaningful impact by helping customers nourish their lives with the finest artisan cheeses and related gourmet products.
Job Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift and stock items up to 50 pounds safely
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule including peak hours
- Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members
- Experience with inventory management and merchandising preferred
- Ability to follow safety and sanitation procedures
Job Qualifications
- Friendly and responsible individual with a passion for artisan cheese
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of cheese types, origins, flavor profiles, and aging processes preferred
- Experience in retail or food service environment is a plus
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
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
- Supports promotions through merchandising, pricing, product sampling and signage
- Creates and maintains excellent store conditions including in-stock levels and facing standards for cheese, olive bar, and cracker/condiment displays
- Maintains cheese core set, seasonal variety, and store specific items
- Executes cross-merchandising displays as planned
- Plans and maintains an active sampling program with 2-3 scheduled samplings each week during peak hours
- Partners with Cellar Masters on weekly 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
- Participates in quarterly vendor presentations and contributes feedback to cheese selection
- 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 assignments
- Performs other duties and tasks as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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