The Belfast Community Co-op exists so that our member-owners and our community will have:

• A thriving, just, and sustainable local food economy
• A source of healthy, nutritious, affordable food, and water
• An efficiently managed, democratically governed, inclusive cooperative enterprise
• A greater understanding of health, food systems, cooperatives, and economic & environmental sustainability
• An invested, engaged, and empowered staff that thrive in a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace

Sourcing from local, regional, and other vendors, the Cheese & Specialty Foods Buyer maintains a department that meets goals for sales, profitability, merchandising, and safe food handling. The Cheese & Specialty Foods Buyer is responsible for determining product mix, placing orders, maintaining inventory, and providing customer service. With the assistance of a Clerk, the Cheese & Specialty Foods Buyer cuts, packages, and stocks products to create a consistently excellent shopping experience for a wide range of customers. This is a new role for our Co-op, and the right candidate will approach the job with excitement, passion, and a willingness to work as a part of a dynamic team to bring our Prepared Foods department to the next level of excellence. 

Must have a solid proficiency and comfort level with computers. Ability to hear and respond to pages over the loudspeaker, provide in-person as well as phone and written customer service, and determine slight differences in packaging necessary. Expect frequent lifting, walking, crouching, and stair climbing. Previous experience with food handling and an understanding of retail concepts such as margin, ordering, and merchandising.

QUALIFICATIONS (knowledge, skills, and abilities)
Preferred: ● Experience working with perishable foods
● Literate in food trends; able to discuss cheese knowledgeably ● Passion for food and professional development
Minimum: ● Prior food handling experience ● Understands retail concepts of merchandising, ordering, and margin ● Can work successfully in evolving and growing environment ● Able to follow written and verbal instructions ● Able to balance multiple tasks and competing priorities