Cheese Guide

Fair Oaks Farms; Fair Oaks (IN); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Full time

Job summary

Fair Oaks Farms is seeking a Cheese Guide to enhance customer experience and drive cheese sales. The ideal candidate thrives in a guest-facing role, effectively engages customers, and possesses strong sales and communication skills. Responsibilities include proactively showcasing products, providing exceptional service, and ensuring product knowledge. Previous retail sales or food service experience is required. Flexibility for weekends and holidays is needed. Join a passionate team at Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana, where you'll transform guest interactions into delicious experiences.

Qualifications

• Natural salesperson who loves people and cheese.
• Outstanding guest-facing skills with a positive demeanor.
• Ability to use open-ended questions and active listening.

Responsibilities

• Actively drive cheese sales every shift.
• Engage every guest with a warm greeting and cheese sample.
• Provide excellent customer service that creates memorable experiences.

Skills

Sales ability

Customer service

Communication skills

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

UPS shipping software

Job description

Rate of Pay: $17.00 plus tips and incentive bonus

Position Summary

The Cheese Guide is a sales-driven, guest-facing role at the heart of the Fair Oaks Farms cheese experience. This is not just a customer service position — it is a specialty retail sales role where your ability to connect with guests, share your passion for cheese, and drive purchases directly impacts team performance and your own earnings. As a family-oriented company, we seek an enthusiastic team player who thrives on turning every guest interaction into a sale. The ideal candidate is a natural storyteller and relationship builder who is equally comfortable guiding a first-time cheese buyer and upselling a curated gift box to a returning customer. This position requires flexibility, including availability on weekends and holidays.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Actively drive cheese sales every shift — your goal is to put cheese in every guest's hands
• Engage every guest within 10 seconds using a warm greeting and a cheese sample to open the sale
• Use open-ended questions and genuine curiosity to uncover what guests are looking for and guide them to the right product
• Upsell and cross-sell: suggest pairings, gift boxes, tray orders, and complementary products to maximize basket size
• Promote the Fair Oaks Farms online store and continental U.S. shipping to expand sales beyond in-store visits
• Accurately take cheese box and tray orders and process.
• Maintain awareness of monthly sales goals and team progress; bring urgency and energy to every shift
• Share product knowledge confidently: cheese varieties, flavor profiles, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions
• Identify slow-moving product and proactively feature it through sampling and conversation
• Contribute ideas to the team and management on how to grow sales and improve the guest experience
• Track and communicate guest feedback and purchasing trends to help refine the sales approach

Guest Experience & Operations

• Provide excellent, attentive customer service that turns every visit into a memorable experience
• Assist every guest eagerly and with genuine enthusiasm for Fair Oaks Farms products
• Respond to inquiries about Fair Oaks Farms brands, products, tours, dining options, and merchandise
• Perform all cash register operations accurately and honestly, including cash and electronic payment processing
• Ensure all cheese cases and sample displays are always stocked using the FIFO method
• Label cheese with correct pricing; ensure cheese is in top condition for sampling and sale
• Stock and merchandise products; lift and move products as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area; wash dishes and clean during slower periods
• Follow Indiana Health Code guidelines and all applicable food safety standards
• Prepare in advance for high-volume periods to ensure seamless, uninterrupted service
• Support other departments and team members when needed

Position Requirements

• A natural salesperson — you love people, love cheese, and love closing a sale
• Outstanding guest-facing skills with a positive, high-energy demeanor
• Demonstrated ability to drive sales and meet or exceed performance goals
• Strong product storytelling and communication skills — in person, by phone, and via email
• Ability to use open-ended questions and active listening to guide purchasing decisions
• Strong time management, organizational, and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and UPS shipping software
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Flexible scheduling availability, including weekends and holidays (required)
• Strong personal integrity, reliability, and commitment to the Fair Oaks Farms brand

Experience & Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Previous retail sales or food service experience required
• Demonstrated customer service and sales skills
• Specialty food, cheese, or artisan retail experience a strong plus

Additional Information

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Employees are expected to perform duties assigned and directed by management, which may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.