Beer, Wine & Spirits Department Head

Community Food Co-op; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union representation

Co-op culture

Job summary

The Community Food Co-op in Bellingham, WA, seeks a Wine, Beer & Spirits Department Head to oversee daily operations of the WBS section, maintain attractive displays, and collaborate on pricing and promotions.

This full-time role combines hands-on retail duties with leadership support for the Grocery team, focusing on product knowledge, vendor relations, and customer service in a cooperative workplace.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of grocery retail experience, preferably wine/beer or specialty foods.
• Strong customer service mindset and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a cooperative, team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with merchandising, promotions, and inventory.
• Valid Washington State Food Worker Card (or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service and foster team collaboration.
• Lead the WBS department and train staff on standards and processes.
• Collaborate with the Grocery Category Manager on product selection and pricing.
• Create attractive, compliant displays and seasonal promotions.
• Maintain inventory with FIFO and coordinate with pricing on updates.
• Ensure safety, sanitation, and alcohol handling compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Team collaboration

Communication

Merchandising

Inventory management

Wine/beer/spirits knowledge

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Email

Job description

Description

WHO WE ARE

We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, self-motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact.

Job Title: Wine, Beer & Spirits Department Head

Reports to: Grocery Category Manager

Status: Full-time, Union Classification Level 4

Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wine, Beer & Spirits (WBS) Department Head performs all duties of a Grocery Team Member while overseeing the day-to-day operations and success of the wine, beer, and spirits department. This includes maintaining clean, well-merchandised displays, developing promotional displays, selecting and ordering products, and collaborating with the Grocery Category Manager on pricing and promotions. This role supports the Grocery team by providing subject-matter expertise, training, and clear communication. This is a non-supervisory leadership role that contributes to department sales, margin, and customer service goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Service & Team Collaboration

• Provide excellent, inclusive, and professional customer service to shoppers and coworkers.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with team members, customers, and vendors.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of co-op principles and values; explain co-op membership and benefits to customers.
• Attend department and all-staff meetings to stay informed and share updates.

Leadership & Training

• Act as the primary point of contact for the WBS section; provide guidance to Grocery Team Members on department standards and processes.
• Train staff on relevant tasks including stocking, signage, and back stock organization.
• Help establish and communicate organizational systems to ensure product accessibility and support for team members.

Product Selection, Merchandising & Promotions

• Collaborate with the Grocery Category Manager on product selection, promotions, and pricing strategies.
• Build and maintain dynamic, off-shelf displays for seasonal, featured, and promotional items.
• Stay informed on industry trends, customer preferences, and new product offerings; regularly review sales reports.
• Ensure WBS displays are clean, well-organized, accurately signed, and visually appealing.

Ordering & Inventory

• Maintain an effective ordering system to ensure consistent stock levels and product freshness.
• Organize and rotate back stock according to First In, First Out (FIFO) standards.
• Coordinate with the Pricing Department to manage new items, vendor updates, promotions, and price changes.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all applicable laws and policies related to the sale and handling of alcohol.
• Ensure product is stored and merchandised in accordance with safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
• Operate equipment safely and ensure compliance with Co-op policies and procedures.

Other

• Perform regular Grocery Team Member duties as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 1-2 years of experience working in grocery retail, preferably in wine, beer, or specialty foods.
• Experience with merchandising, ordering systems, or retail inventory management and knowledge of industry trends, vendor relations, or category performance analysis preferred.
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Interest in and ability to gain product knowledge in the wine, beer, and spirits categories.
• Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Valid Washington State Food Worker Card (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• May be required to obtain forklift certification to operate a forklift or other material handling equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, email).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State MAST Permit and Food Handler Card.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift) in a fast-paced retail environment while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
• Frequent reaching above shoulders and crouching below waist level to stock shelves and build displays.
• Regular bending, twisting, and repetitive motion while handling glass bottles, cases, and signage materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 60 lbs regularly.
• Ability to safely operate equipment such as pallet jacks, ladders, step stools, and forklifts (certification/training provided as needed).
• Comfortable working in environments with moderate to loud noise levels, including music, paging systems, and equipment.
• Visual and manual dexterity required for reading labels, pricing product, and creating displays.

UNION AFFILIATION

This position is represented by Teamsters Local 231. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the Community Food Co-op and the union.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Community Food Co-op is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.