Culinary Retail Associate: Customer-First in Cold Stores

Wild Fork; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Monthly bonus plan

PTO: vacation, sick, birthday leave

Culinary perks and training

Job summary

Wild Fork in Vernon Hills, IL is hiring a Retail Sales Associate to deliver a warm, expert shopping experience. You will engage guests with product knowledge, meal inspiration, and hospitality while supporting replenishment and store readiness.

The role requires working in cold environments, handling cash, and assisting opening/closing duties. Flexible full-time or part-time shifts and a starting wage of $18.50 per hour with bonus potential are offered.

Qualifications

• 1 year of retail, grocery, hospitality, or food experience required.
• Strong customer service skills with enthusiasm for food and culinary exploration.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments and manage multiple tasks.
• Comfortable working in extremely cold temperatures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand/walk 8–10 hours.
• Flexible scheduling (mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Basic math skills for cash handling; POS experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a warm, engaging personal chef and friendly butcher shopping experience.
• Provide recommendations, cooking tips, recipes, and product insights based on customer needs.
• Demonstrate understanding of daily sales goals, promotions, and store priorities.
• Drive sales by engaging customers, building baskets, and suggesting product pairings.
• Support Wild Fork’s service standards to ensure customers feel welcomed and valued.
• Leverage product knowledge to confidently recommend solutions and deliver a personalized experience.
• Stock, rotate, and merchandise to keep a full, fresh, visually compelling store.
• Complete FIFO rotation and maintain labeling and pricing accuracy.
• Keep the store clean, organized, and customer-ready at all times.
• Follow cash handling SOPs with precision and integrity.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Multi-tasking

Flexibility

Cash handling

Job description

Wild Fork in Vernon Hills, IL is hiring a Retail Sales Associate to deliver a warm, expert shopping experience. You will engage guests with product knowledge, meal inspiration, and hospitality while supporting replenishment and store readiness.

The role requires working in cold environments, handling cash, and assisting opening/closing duties. Flexible full-time or part-time shifts and a starting wage of $18.50 per hour with bonus potential are offered.