Company description

Formaggio Kitchen has been an institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts for over 40 years–“a gourmand’s paradise” doubling as a neighborhood grocer. Nationally, we are best known for our cheese selection, which includes many exclusive items imported directly from farms in Europe. Locally, we are equally well known for our kitchen and bakery production including sandwiches, panini and nightly dinners as well as cakes, cookies and a variety of other sweets – all made in house, from scratch and using the best (often local) ingredients. We also stock a wide range of other delicious foodstuffs, including: charcuterie, produce, baked goods, prepared foods, coffee, tea, chocolates, bread, sweets, honey, preserves, wine, beer, olive oil, vinegar and other pantry staples.

We offer a dynamic work environment that both challenges and rewards those who have the necessary skills and passion to make the team. We strive to hire people with a love of food, old-world work ethic, capacity for teamwork and a drive to provide exceptional customer service. Benefits include health insurance, 401K with generous employer matching, paid vacation, an amazing opportunity to learn about food and a great team of coworkers.

Job description

We are looking for a full-time cheesemonger, with prior retail experience preferred, to work closely with existing staff to help us provide delicious cheese and exceptional service to our customers. This cheesemonger will work with the Head Cheese Buyer to source, curate, and promote our selection of cheeses, representing the company in our relationships with cheesemakers.

As a cheesemonger, you not only have access to 200-300 different types of cheeses (many of them exclusive to us in the US), you also have access to hundreds of other specialty products that have been hand selected by our lead buyers from across the globe. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Formaggio Kitchen has developed close relationships with producers domestically and abroad which allows our cheesemongers unmatched access to their expertise. As a company we encourage staff to take ownership of ideas and initiatives, and we are committed to providing support and resources to allow our staff to achieve their goals. This has included farm visits, international buying trips, access to in-depth product training with producers, development of new programs and marketing initiatives within the store (to name a few).

A full-time Cheesemonger work schedule requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends. Formaggio Kitchen offers a unique work environment with great staff, fantastic customers and an opportunity for challenge and learning every day. Our close relationships with our producers provides once in a lifetime opportunities to learn from master artisans. Benefits for eligible employees include a staff discount, health insurance contribution, 401K, sick time, and paid vacation.

Skills and Experience

• Prior cheesemonger experience a plus

• At least one year in a specialty food retail environment preferred

• History of providing excellent customer service

• Exceptional work ethic

• Equally exceptional skills in working with people of various backgrounds

• Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently

• Passion for food

• Drive to learn the extensive selection we have to offer

Additional qualities we are looking for:

• Natural problem solver

• Highly organized

• Exceptional attention to detail

• The ability to anticipate and resolve issues/problems on a proactive basis

• Task managing and prioritization in a fast paced environment

• Excellent collaborative skills to work in partnership with department leads, store management and customers

• Experience with retail POS systems / computers

• Demonstrated strong work ethic and on-time commitment

We are looking not simply for a qualified person, but someone with the aptitude and energy to contribute to our company going forward. This position has a great deal of growth potential, particularly in the areas of purchasing, travel, and staff development.

Competitive salary and benefits based on experience.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline