Cork Wine Bar & Market is seeking a highly skilled and knowledgeable individual to join our team as a Cheesemonger and Retail Product Manager. In this role, you will be responsible for managing our cheese department, ensuring the highest quality of products, and providing exceptional customer service. Additionally, you will oversee the retail product management, including inventory control, merchandising, and sales analysis. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cheese, strong leadership skills, and a keen eye for detail.

The Wine Bar is a comfortable and award-winning neighborhood restaurant that focuses on old-world wines paired with a modern rustic menu. The Marketis a wine store, cafe and specialty retail market noted for its wine list, house-made retail products, and curated cheese and charcuterie selection. In addition, Cork caters to private events off-site as well as in its private events space.

Roles and Responsibility:

• Manage the cheese department, including ordering, receiving, and maintaining inventory levels to ensure freshness and availability.
• Provide expert knowledge and guidance to customers on various types of cheese and retail food, including flavor profiles, pairings, and origins.
• Create visually appealing displays and ensure proper merchandising techniques are implemented to maximize sales.
• Conduct regular quality checks to ensure all cheese products meet our high standards of freshness, taste, and appearance.
• Collaborate with suppliers to source new and unique cheese and retail products, negotiate pricing, and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Continuously research and source new and unique cheeses from various regions, ensuring a diverse and exciting selection.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging cheese producers, and new retail products to enhance the store's offerings.
• Collaborate with suppliers and attend trade shows to discover and evaluate potential additions to the product range.
• Train and supervise cheese department staff, providing ongoing coaching and development to ensure exceptional customer service.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Cheesemonger or similar role, with a deep knowledge of various types of cheese, their characteristics, and proper handling techniques.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, including inventory management, merchandising, and sales analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and educate customers effectively.
• Strong leadership abilities, with the capacity to train and motivate a team to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.