CHEESE buyer/ SPECIALiST

Do you love cheese? We’re looking for an experienced, full time cheese specialist in our family-owned and operated food market in Palo Alto, which is quickly becoming a new community favorite!

We offer competitive pay and benefits including paid sick leave, paid vacation, commuter benefits and a generous store discount. There are growth and advancement opportunities and you will be in an environment that supports your skill development and growth toward your career goals.

What you'll do: Responsibilities

  • Manage every aspect of the specialty cheese and specialty foods department - from buying and pricing to weighting, cutting, packaging, merchandising and selling cheese with the goal of establishing our market as the destination for specialty cheese in the area.

  • Grow department sales and profits by setting and executing sales strategies and department-level execution of those strategies.

  • Proactively engage with customers, spending quality time with each to educate them and to help them choose and discover new cheeses, and drive increases in sales and customer satisfaction for the department

  • Become well-versed in our selection of cheese and other specialty foods; Understand and be able to articulate what makes our products special.

  • Work hands-on with top cheese and specialty foods producers and distributors to constantly deliver outstanding selection and value

  • Research, discover and introduce new products to ensure a great product selection across cheese and other specialty products

  • Ensure that product offering meets different customer dietary needs.

  • Organize and build product displays based on movement, specials, and profitability

  • Ensure a fresh and appealing display by keeping shelves and displays clean and well stocked by front-facing, checking codes, rotating, and removing out-of-date products.

  • Maintain ongoing communication with upper management and other department managers on a regular basis, as well as through attendance of management meetings.

  • Follow and comply with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices

  • You lead by example and consistently display behaviors and skills that set a standard and model for others

  • Work effectively with not only your own team but with fellow department managers for the overall success of the market  

  • Maintain accurate department signage and pricing.

  • Oversee customer special orders.

  • Oversee and deliver on catering requests pertaining to the cheese department

  • Oversee product transfers, waste, and spoilage.

  • Other duties as needed

WHO YOU ARE: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Passionate for, enthusiastic and curious about cheese!

  • Experience in cheese cutting, production, and taste

  • Experience and/or willingness to learn about different products, nutritional information, and other related areas

  • Experience in cheese merchandising

  • Naturally attentive to detail

  • Love to sell and educate customers proactively

  • Team player and can build positive relationships with vendors, and colleagues across departments

  • Physically willing and able to move heavy boxes and product, including lifting, stacking and repetitive cutting of product

  • Strong organizational and time management skills

  • Strong basic math skills

  • Strong work ethic and integrity; Takes proactive ownership of responsibilities

  • Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with a sense of urgency

Who you are: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • You’re a hard worker and passionate about food

  • At least 2 years of relevant industry experience