Cheese Department Associate

ZUPAN Enterprises oregon•Lake Oswego, OR

11d

About The Position

The Cheese Department Associate works with department associates to meet or exceed department and store objectives as communicated by the Cheese Department Manager and Store Director. The role produces specialty cheese items, including mozzarella and pimento and other cheese spreads, and grates and cuts fresh parmesan for packaging. The associate provides customer service on the sales floor, communicates how the store's products differ from conventional offerings, and maintains the quality, freshness, presentation, packaging, labeling, and rotation of department products. The position also involves keeping the department clean and sanitary, maintaining supplies and work areas, following safety procedures, and completing scheduled opening and closing responsibilities. There are no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Successful experience working in a retail environment with demonstrated customer service skills.
Excellent customer service skills and a positive attitude.
Ability to collaborate, lead, and work independently.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, work at different paces, meet deadlines, and follow instructions and procedures.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to learn and retain in-depth knowledge of department products.
Effective time management skills, a strong work ethic, and integrity.
Ability to answer customer questions clearly and in a service-oriented manner.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
Reliable attendance.
Valid Oregon Food Handler card.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations, and to communicate effectively with managers, vendors, and customers.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and solve practical problems.
Ability to stand for long periods; bend, lift, push, and pull carts with heavy loads; frequently lift or move up to 40 pounds; and perform frequent bending, stooping, climbing, stair use, and repetitive stretching and lifting.
Ability to use a box cutter, knives, cheese slicer, and other department devices properly.

Nice To Haves

Cheese knowledge.
Working knowledge of artisan cheese and/or food production experience.

Responsibilities

Create an outstanding customer experience on the sales floor and follow through on customer questions and requests.
Explain to customers how the store's products differ from those at conventional stores.
Follow recipes to produce specialty cheese items that meet high standards for taste and presentation.
Ensure cheese quality, quantity, freshness, and presentation meet company standards.
Cut, package, wrap, and label products neatly and attractively for retail sale.
Check product dates and quality, rewrapping or trimming products as needed.
Ensure items are labeled, dated, covered, and rotated, and keep department supplies filled and maintained.
Keep cases, floors, shelves, and workstations clean.
Work with team members to keep the selling floor and aisles clear and well maintained.
Maintain department sanitation, comply with safety procedures, identify unsafe conditions, and notify store management.
Perform scheduled opening and closing responsibilities.