Pemberton Farms is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Specialty Cheese Associate to join our team. If you have a passion for artisan cheese, specialty foods, culinary arts, and food and beverage pairings, we would love to hear from you. This position offers the opportunity to work with a diverse selection of domestic and imported cheeses while helping customers discover new products and create memorable dining experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Cut, wrap, label, price, and merchandise specialty cheeses and charcuterie products.
- Maintain attractive, fully stocked, and organized cheese displays that meet company merchandising standards.
- Follow recipes and prepare, package, label and stock housemade specialty items and bulk products.
- Assist customers by providing product recommendations, tasting notes, serving suggestions, and food and beverage pairing guidance.
- Develop product knowledge of artisan cheeses, cured meats, accompaniments, and specialty grocery items.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs to management.
- Receive, inspect, and properly store deliveries while ensuring product quality and accuracy.
- Maintain organization and cleanliness of the cheese department, prep areas, display cases, and backstock cooler.
- Rotate products according to freshness and food safety standards.
- Monitor product quality and remove damaged, expired, or unsellable merchandise.
- Operate and sanitize department equipment, including electric slicers, scales, wrapping equipment, and refrigeration units.
- Follow all health, sanitation, food safety, and weights-and-measures regulations.
- Assist with department promotions, sampling programs, seasonal displays, and special store events.
- Build strong customer relationships through exceptional service and product expertise.
Qualifications
- Previous experience merchandising, preparing, or selling specialty cheese products preferred.
- Candidates with a strong personal passion for cheese, specialty foods, and culinary arts will also be considered.
- Demonstrated success providing outstanding customer service.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to product presentation.
- Ability to follow established procedures and maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation.
- Comfortable operating electric slicers and other department equipment.
- Basic math skills for weighing, pricing, and inventory-related tasks.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
