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.

Formaggio Kitchen seeks an experienced leader to direct and grow our Human Resources for our three Boston-area businesses, which collectively employ about 150 staff members. This full-time position is based in our west Cambridge, MA office, with the opportunity for some remote work. This new position, formerly a part-time responsibility, is vital for supporting our ever-growing staff and upholding our vision for a supportive, collegial workplace environment. This position reports directly to the owner, who has worked at Formaggio Kitchen for decades; peers include each store’s general managers, who will work closely with the HR officer on hiring strategy.

Formaggio Kitchen offers a unique work environment with great staff, fantastic customers and an opportunity for challenge and learning every day. Benefits for eligible employees include a staff discount, health insurance contribution, 401K, sick time, and paid vacation. 

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct first-round interviews

• Maintain job posts and meeting with senior management about hiring strategy

• Onboard and offboard, including exit interviews

• Develop training materials

• Maintain our benefits program

• Conduct annual reviews and any disciplinary actions; document accordingly

• Plan and lead staff development opportunities, staff outings, and mentorship programs

• Write a weekly staff newsletter

• Propose HR policy and recruiting measures

• Conduct employee surveys

• Act as ombudsperson for employee concerns and guidance

• Assist in weekly scheduling assignments

• Spearhead a culture committee

• Assure compliance with labor laws

• Lead DEI initiatives

• Assist with miscellaneous office duties, including answering phones

Skills and experience:

• 2 years of human resources or personnel management experience strongly preferred

• Impeccable professionalism, ethics, judgment, and interpersonal rapport

• Outstanding social fluency– the ability to universally connect with and unify others, know the right thing to say, balance transparency and appropriate boundaries

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills– clear, direct, compassionate, 

• Strong organizational and problem solving skills, with an eye for standardization and consistency

• Proven ability to motivate and manage others and make tough decisions

• Hospitality or retail experience a plus

• Subject matter expertise in performance development, recruitment, and/or crisis management

• Knowledge of labor laws, landscape of current HR best practices, DEI a plus

Additional qualities we are looking for:

• Deep commitment, enthusiasm, and accountability to exceptional hospitality, employee wellbeing, inclusion, and shared team values

• Ability to collaborate respectfully on high-level company direction, with upper management and ownership

• Role model of work ethic, propriety, integrity, and timeliness

• Attention to detail

• Generalist and team player; collegiality and good spirit