Position Purpose: AJ’s Cheese Specialist will own the cheese program in their store! This position will be the highlight of the shopping experience, providing samples, exploration, and entertaining solutions for our guests. The role will execute day-to-day operations for our artisan cheese program and be responsible for driving and growing sales. Provide inspired hospitality!
Responsibilities: A Cheese Specialist is a responsible, friendly person who can safely work in a fast-paced environment and provide excellent customer service.
A Cheese Specialist’s responsibilities include:
*Engages with & educates our guests about artisan cheese while providing inspired hospitality. Maintains a thorough understanding of various cheese types, origins, flavor profiles, and aging processes.
2. *Maintains an inspired cheese department with attention to detail.
a. Ensures cleanliness, signage, selection, and cross merchandising. Support promotions through merchandising, pricing, product sampling and signage.
b. Creates and maintains first-rate store conditions by sustaining excellent in-stock conditions and facing standards of cheese set, olive bar and cracker/condiment displays.
c. Maintains cheese core set, seasonal variety, and store specific items.
d. Executes cross-merchandising displays as planned.
3. *Plans and maintains an active sampling program that includes 2-3 scheduled samplings each week during peak hours.
a. Partners with Cellar Masters on weekly wine and cheese pairings and annual events.
4. *Responsible for purchasing, receiving, stocking, product rotation, and maintaining appropriate product levels to drive sales and minimize shrinkage.
5. *Participates in quarterly vendor presentations and contributes feedback to cheese selection.
6. *Ensures all safety and sanitation processes are followed throughout the department and maintains a clean and organized backstock & production area.
7. *Responsible for completing cheese inventory each period.
8. *Supports Bistro Department Team Leader in all relevant tasks and assignments, and performs other duties and tasks as assigned.
Employees may occasionally experience the following physical demands for an extended period:
Standing, Sitting, Lifting + Stocking (Up to 50 lbs.), Pushing, Keyboarding, Telephone Use, Walking, Bending
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive compensation, paid weekly
- Retirement Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for yourself and eligible dependents
- Tuition Reimbursement for qualified courses
- Scholarship opportunities for continued education
- Store discount programs (10% off household groceries)
- Fun work environment where you have the opportunity to nourish your community.
Must be 18 years of age. Must be 21 years of age for any position that serves alcohol.
For Internal Transfers/Promotion/Rehire Candidates:
- Your current leader must recommend that you apply for this position and provide an endorsement upon request from HR.
- You may be asked to accept a part-time position if that is the only position available
- Rehires must be approved by an HRBP
Skills Required
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be at least 21 years of age for positions serving alcohol.
- Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment and provide excellent customer service.
- Ability to lift and stock items weighing up to 50 pounds.
What We Do
The Raley’s Companies is a private, family-owned grocery retail enterprise headquartered in West Sacramento, California. Founded in 1935, it operates more than 235 stores across seven states and four Tribal Nations under nine banners, including Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Bashas’, Food City and AJ’s Fine Foods. Its purpose emphasizes quality food, exceptional service, and supporting employees, communities, and the planet.
