Cheese Department Specialist - Store #217

As a Cheese Specialist with The Fresh Market you will be responsible for working closely with the Store Manager, Assistant Store Managers, and Deli Manager in order to create The Fresh Market environment and ensure the success of the store and Deli Department through excellent customer service and a demonstrated passion for food. This position has accountability for all aspects of department operations, to include but not limited to, profitability, expense control, and ordering, merchandising and regulatory compliance. Candidates must be prepared to think, learn and contribute all while consistently communicating and modeling The Fresh Market's vision and goals. Excellent communication, multitasking and self-motivation skills are essential to success at The Fresh Market. Successful Cheese Specialists also demonstrate a high level of integrity with department products, employees, vendors, and our customers.

Position Description

Core Accountabilities:

• Demonstrate the ability to be organized, to work independently and with the team to provide the highest quality shopping experience.
• Establish and maintain a positive work environment, which encourages an exceptionally high level of Team Member morale. Focusing the employees on creating an environment built on team work and inspiring a "one team" mentality.
• Work with Team Members to ensure the highest quality products and services are available
• Set and achieve the highest standards in retail execution focusing on maximizing sales and gross profit
• Manage inventory and pricing to achieve required margin.
• Demonstrate the ability to be organized, to work independently and with the team to provide the highest quality shopping experience, while maintaining product assortment to drive sales.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the department through utilizing, assigning tasks and following up on the department cleaning schedule.
• Demonstrate advanced product knowledge; maintain awareness of new products and educate employees on products.
• Maintain proper product assortment, merchandising and inventory control.
• Implement and maintain regular sampling and engagement in the Cheese Department
• Offer daily feedback to the Deli Manager and Store Management about the performance of the Cheese Department.
• Follow all company guidelines and procedures, to include but not limited to, safety and sanitation
• Demonstrated level of empowerment to solve customer complaints and develop employees to do the same.

Key Outputs/Results:

• Addressing and greeting customers; answering questions in a friendly manner, proactively offering assistance and providing accurate and timely information, making product/ service recommendations and accommodating special requests.
• Being able to listen to others' points of view and recognizing and appreciating differences.
• Properly handle, prepare, transport and store products; ensuring strict adherence to TFM guidelines.
• Prioritizing requests and department activities while managing interruptions and attending to details to complete tasks within deadlines is a must.
• Utilize training resources and fellow team members to educate self and others about product uses and characteristics.
• Have knowledge of products used throughout the store and work across departments to provide and assist customers in finding complete meal solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Oral and written communication skills that allow for productive communication with co-workers, management and customers.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

What you bring to the job:

• Organization and highly detailed oriented
• Ability to prioritize
• Ability to follow through on deliverables and meet objectives and deadlines
• A LOVE of food
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Superior customer focus
• Be a team player, goal-oriented
• Excellent time management
• Ability to perform in an intense, fast paced environment

Work Environment/Physical Responsibilities

• Work involves continuous interaction with customers and co-workers in a fast-paced environment
• Typical motions include repetitive hand and arm movements, repetitive grasping, bending and reaching
• Responsible for moving or lifting an average of 5 – 20 pounds with a maximum weight lifted of 50 pounds occasionally
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (coolers, ovens, freezer, etc.)
• The safe and proper handling of slicers, knives and other kitchen utensils and equipment
• Will be required to spend the majority of time on his or her feet and stand or walk without a break for up to 4 hours