Cheese Monger

BUSCH'S CAREER PAGE•Ann Arbor, MI

11d

About The Position

The Cheese Merchandiser oversees the cheese department and manages a team of cheese mongers to ensure operational excellence, product quality, and outstanding customer engagement. The role requires cheese expertise, professional certification, and strong leadership skills. The position includes supervising and mentoring cheese mongers across multiple locations; managing a diverse selection of local and artisanal cheeses; and planning displays that attract customer interest and support sales. The Cheese Merchandiser also leads customer education initiatives, such as tastings and pairing suggestions, and ensures food safety, sanitation, proper storage, and product quality. The role tracks sales performance, customer feedback, and market trends to guide product offerings and promotions. It also involves collaborating with deli and grocery departments on cross-merchandising, representing the cheese department at local events and markets, and maintaining professional and technical knowledge through continued learning and networking.

Requirements

Certification as a Cheese Professional (CCP) from the American Cheese Society or an equivalent organization.
Extensive knowledge of cheeses, including types, origins, and pairing options.
Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate and develop a team.
Exceptional merchandising skills, including planning and executing displays that drive profit, create interest and perceived value, and suggest meal solutions.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Excel, Word, and email, and ability to learn and use proprietary applications and technology.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Presentation skills, including confidence speaking in front of people.

Responsibilities

Supervise and mentor cheese mongers at multiple locations, providing training in product knowledge, customer service, and merchandising practices.
Curate and manage a diverse selection of local and artisanal cheeses, maintaining appropriate inventory, freshness, and quality.
Design and implement displays that highlight cheese offerings and attract customer interest.
Lead customer education initiatives, including tastings and cheese-pairing suggestions.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and sanitation standards, and monitor storage conditions and product quality.
Track sales performance, customer feedback, and market trends to inform product offerings and promotions.
Collaborate with deli and grocery departments on cross-merchandising and store offerings.
Represent the cheese department at local events and markets and build relationships with customers and local cheese producers.
Keep professional and technical knowledge current through educational opportunities, professional publications, benchmarking, and networking.