Cheese Specialist

Position Objective: To assist customers in their shopping experience by using an advanced knowledge of cheese varieties to make helpful suggestions to customers and to provide the highest quality of product possible.
Reporting Structure: This position formally reports to the Deli Manager.
Status: This is a non-exempt position

Knowledge
The following is a list of any certifications, formal education, or training requirements for this position.
Essential Knowledge
* A food handling permit must be obtained within the first 14 days of employment.
* Minimum of (1) year previous experience in a deli, bakery, restaurant or food service operations position.
* Minimum of (6) months experience specifically cutting, wrapping and merchandising major types of cheese.
Non-Essential Knowledge
* A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Skills
The following is a list of the basic skill requirements for this position.
Essential Job Functions
* Demonstrate advanced knowledge of cheese varieties and their uses and offer product suggestions to increase the average number of cheese purchases sold.
* Merchandise the cheese displays with an emphasis on creating eye-catching displays that focus on “full and fresh”.
* Promote department sales by suggesting additional products and offering samples.
* Procure cheese and ancillary items from suppliers, and notify department manager of any special inventory needs in a timely manner.
* Practice effective inventory management by counting and verifying merchandise against invoices and inspecting deliveries against for shortages, damages and quality.
* Communicate in advance any product or supply needs to the management team.
* Know and practice rotation procedures to ensure product dates are properly monitored.
* Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between food costing and selling retail.
* Know the location of the items in your department so you can accurately and courteously answer customer questions.
* Resolve customer complaints in a professional manner and recognize when it is appropriate to involve a member of the store management team.
* Know and implement the Cosentino Customer Service Standards.
* Meet or exceed productivity standards to produce desired team and individual results.
* Able to operate, clean and maintain all equipment safely and competently.
* Know, comply with, and encourage other team members to comply with all health regulations, sanitation guidelines and safety procedures for your department and your store.
* Demonstrates the strong verbal and interpersonal skills necessary for positive customer and peer interactions.
* Demonstrates the basic math and reading skills required for the position.
Non-Essential Job Functions
* Efficiently and accurately prepare, package and label products for sale to customers.
* Ensure all coolers, freezers and preparation areas are clean and set up in advance for deliveries.
* Quickly unload incoming shipments and neatly stock them in their designated areas without damaging merchandise.
* Support your company by completing additional tasks identified by management, assisting other stores or departments as needed and gaining new skills when necessary.

Physical Abilities
The following physical movements could potentially be part of any scheduled shift and employees will be expected to perform these actions while on duty.
Essential Abilities
* Reaching overhead with both arms up to a maximum of 74 inches, twisting at the waist and lifting objects with both hands weighing up to 20 lbs.
* Pushing and pulling grocery items to the proper locations as needed, up to a peak force of 50 lbs.
* Standing and walking for long periods of time on tile, asphalt, concrete or other hard surfaces.
* Occasionally lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
* Bending and squatting, at times all the way to floor level.
* Able to work in colder conditions of the grocery coolers and freezers.
Non-Essential Abilities
* Climbing a ladder, possibly up to 5ft.