Hotel Chocolat - Seasonal Retail and Barista Associate (Hubbard Woods, Winnetka, IL)

Mars • Chicago, IL

8d • $15 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Retail and Barista Associate welcomes customers and provides excellent service while ensuring the store’s retail and food and beverage areas meet Retail Excellence guidelines. The role supports Hotel Chocolat’s mission of “Making People Happy Through Chocolate,” with product knowledge central to representing the brand. The position is seasonal from November 2026 to January 2027, with the possibility of becoming permanent based on performance and business need. It is located at 912 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, IL 60093, and pays $18 per hour as stated at the beginning of the posting. The posting also lists an Illinois pay range of $15.31 to $21.05 per hour.

The associate delivers the Phoenix customer experience program, represents the brand, learns and shares knowledge about products and cocoa, and conducts product tastings and demonstrations. The role also supports stock handling, merchandising, store hygiene, health and safety, security, and—in the absence of the Store Manager and Assistant Manager—store opening and closing procedures. Holiday-season availability is required, including Thanksgiving and Christmas; no time off will be given from November 27 through December 25, 2026.

Requirements

• A positive attitude and desire to work in a customer-facing environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team toward shared goals or targets and flexibly support colleagues and workload needs.
• Ability to identify product types and follow guidelines for displays, stocking, seasonal promotions, and special offers.
• Ability to listen carefully, ask relevant questions, respond to individual customer needs, and adapt communication style to different customers.
• Ability to communicate openly, honestly, respectfully, and clearly with colleagues and the manager.
• Ability and willingness to learn about a diverse range of products, how they are grown and produced, customer tastes, allergens, and new products and innovations.
• Availability to work through the 2026 holiday season, including Thanksgiving and Christmas; no time off is given November 27–December 25, 2026.

Nice To Haves

• Previous customer service experience is helpful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Welcome customers, explore their needs, answer questions, and provide support to deliver an excellent customer journey.
• Use effective customer experience and selling techniques to optimize sales.
• Act as a Brand Ambassador and share retail and cocoa knowledge with customers.
• Learn about products, product categories, cocoa growing and manufacturing, allergens, and the company’s sustainability and ethics commitments.
• Conduct product tasting sessions and demonstrations for customers.
• Help receive deliveries, follow health and safety guidelines, and secure stock in stockroom areas.
• Keep shop-floor stock clean, tidy, appropriately presented, and within best-before dates, following presentation guidelines.
• Maintain health and safety compliance through effective daily operations and maintain store hygiene and cleanliness.
• Maintain store security in accordance with company policies and procedures, including for cash, stock, IT, buildings, and health and safety.
• In the absence of the Store Manager and Assistant Manager, carry out store opening and closing procedures and other business requirements while holding the store keys.

Benefits

• Competitive wages starting at $18 per hour
• Flexible schedules
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Mental health benefits, including eight free face-to-face counseling visits per issue per calendar year
• Ongoing developmental programs
• Corporate and store discounts
• Career opportunities within the store and Mars Inc.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed