Gourmet Cheese Manager

St. Michaels Market; Saint Michaels (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

St. Michaels Market on Maryland's Eastern Shore is seeking an experienced Gourmet Cheese Manager to lead our premier cheese department. You will curate artisan and imported cheeses, build engaging displays, and create unforgettable shopping experiences.

You’ll manage inventory, vendor relations, and product rotations, while coaching a team and shaping a destination for cheese lovers. If you love sourcing unique products and delighting customers, we'd love to meet you.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a gourmet cheese/deli/specialty foods department.
• Passion for artisan cheese and specialty foods.
• Strong merchandising and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage inventory, ordering, margins, and shrink.
• Leadership and coaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Gourmet Cheese & Specialty Foods Department.
• Curate and grow artisan and imported cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, spreads, specialty foods, and accompaniments.
• Research, source, and introduce new products that fit our customers and elevate the department.
• Manage all ordering, inventory levels, product rotation, and shrink.
• Build relationships with vendors and negotiate the best assortment and value.
• Design eye-catching displays that inspire customers and maximize sales.
• Assist customers with cheese selections, pairings, entertaining ideas, and custom charcuterie recommendations.
• Ensure outstanding food safety, sanitation, and merchandising standards.
• Analyze sales trends and make data-driven decisions to continuously improve the department.

Skills

People management

Merchandising

Vendor relationships

Product sourcing

Customer service

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Do you have a passion for artisan cheese, exceptional food, and creating unforgettable shopping experiences?

St. Michaels Market is seeking an experienced and creative Gourmet Cheese Manager to lead one of the Eastern Shore's premier gourmet departments. This is more than a management position—it's an opportunity to build, curate, and grow a destination cheese department with the freedom to bring in exciting new products and create a best‑in‑class customer experience.

If you're someone who gets excited about discovering new cheeses, building relationships with vendors, creating beautiful displays, and helping customers discover their next favorite product, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Gourmet Cheese & Specialty Foods Department.
• Curate and grow our selection of artisan and imported cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, spreads, specialty foods, and accompaniments.
• Research, source, and introduce new products that fit our customers and elevate the department.
• Manage all ordering, inventory levels, product rotation, and shrink.
• Build relationships with vendors and negotiate the best assortment and value.
• Design eye-catching displays that inspire customers and maximize sales.
• Assist customers with cheese selections, pairings, entertaining ideas, and custom charcuterie recommendations.
• Ensure outstanding food safety, sanitation, and merchandising standards.
• Analyze sales trends and make data‑driven decisions to continuously improve the department.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Has experience managing a gourmet cheese, deli, specialty food, or high-end grocery department.
• Has a genuine passion for artisan cheese and specialty foods.
• Enjoys discovering new products and building unique assortments.
• Has strong merchandising instincts and an eye for presentation.
• Understands inventory management, ordering, margins, and shrink control.
• Leads by example and enjoys coaching and developing a team.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Loves interacting with customers and creating memorable experiences.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

At St. Michaels Market, we don't believe in cookie-cutter departments.

• Help shape the direction of the department through product selection and merchandising.
• Bring in exciting new cheeses and specialty foods that fit our community.
• Build seasonal promotions, tasting events, and holiday offerings.
• Create one of the most exciting gourmet cheese destinations on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Work for a locally owned company that values initiative, creativity, and great ideas.