Master Cheesemonger

Gig Harbor, WA, USA|Remote

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $27.15

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

competitive pay

Team member discount

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

health savings accounts

flexible spending arrangements

Company-funded disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

retirement plans

Paid Time Off

sick leave

Reduced cost transit program

Education support

Career development opportunities

Job Description

Metropolitan Market, LLC is a renowned upscale specialty grocery store known for its high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and commitment to food safety and sustainability. Located in Gig Harbor, this establishment prides itself on offering a wide variety of gourmet and organic food items, creating a unique shopping experience for customers who appreciate fine foods and specialty products. Metropolitan Market operates with dedication to employee development and maintains a supportive work environment that fosters career growth and promotes work-life balance. The company follows inclusive and fair employment policies, making it a sought-after employer in the retail food industry. This role is a full-time position with a competitive pay rate starting at $27.15 per hour, and candidates are required to have a valid Washington State Food Workers Card to commence employment. Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance options, retirement plans, paid time off, and various development and support programs.

The Cheese Department Manager position at Metropolitan Market plays a crucial leadership role focused on specialty cheese products, deli meats, and related offerings such as olives and antipasto items. This role is responsible for overseeing product management, promotions, merchandising, quality control, food safety, sanitation, and overall profitability within the department. The manager ensures that cheese production tasks are executed proficiently, meeting stringent standards for sanitation, cutting, wrapping, labeling, and freshness. Inventory management is a key aspect, ensuring stock levels support innovative merchandising and maximize sales potential. The role demands regular communication with vendors and internal management teams to maintain product quality and address any challenges promptly.

This position also entails training and developing the Cheese Department team to uphold production standards, improve customer service, and impart product knowledge that enhances customer satisfaction and repeat business. The manager actively participates in product promotions and marketing efforts to drive sales and meet revenue goals. Maintaining adherence to food safety regulations, including proper temperature controls and HACCP standards, is critical to the role. In addition, the manager plays a part in loss prevention, inventory control, and operational efficiency. The role requires flexibility in scheduling, including availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Exceptional communication skills, strong organizational capabilities, and a proactive approach are essential for success in this position. Metropolitan Market offers a supportive environment where the Cheese Department Manager can grow professionally while contributing significantly to the store's specialty food offerings and overall customer experience.

Job Requirements

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
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
Valid Washington State Food Workers Card to begin work.

Job 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
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.

Job Duties

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 uses, 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 leadership.