Cheese Specialist

About the role

If you’re someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we’d like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team!

Responsibilities

• Extensive knowledge of Natural Cheeses; including proper handling of products during cutting and wrapping, labelling, product rotation and stocking the cases following the established schematics and watching for outdated, close dated or spoiled items
• Offers positive information to customers regarding product attributes, uses, serving suggestions, selling or influencing cross-departmental purchases
• Completes orders with suppliers, receives and inspects for accuracy of shipment, watches for short life or damaged goods, inspects temperature of shipments
• Requires operating and using equipment such as scales, knives, cheese wires, wrappers, pallet jacks and hand trucks
• Ensures cleanliness of all work areas, storage areas, display cases
• Walks the cases frequently to ensure organized and attractive presentation, proper scale tags and case signage
• Must be familiar with Health Department standards and guidelines regarding food handling
• Manages the department schedule, training, hiring, coaching and completing competitive shops

Requirements

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess a high level of customer service.
• 2+ years of retail experience, preferably working with cheese.
• Culinary/cheese knowledge or continued cheese/culinary education a plus.
• Knowledge and passion for specialization of cheese, such as brands, varieties, pairing, textures, origins, tastes, etc. preferred.
• Advanced merchandising and product recommendation skills.
• Ability to quickly build rapport and gain customer confidence to create repeat business.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, bend, and twist while handling product.

Benefits

• Fresh Thyme Rewards
• Weekly pay
• Scheduling flexibility
• Paid parental leave
• Team member discount
• Career growth opportunities
• Competitive compensation
• Incentive programs
• Recognition programs
• Comprehensive benefits package for full‑time team members: medical, dental, and life insurance
• Variety of programs designed to support part‑time members
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Work environment promoting work‑life balance, long‑term health, financial security, and continuous professional development

Pay

The pay range for this position is $16.05 - $25.15 per hour. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location. This pay range represents the minimum and maximum base pay for the position, which is determined by factors such as market data, the qualifications required, the level of responsibilities associated with the role and other roles at this same level. Specific pay rates will be within this range and based