Merchandise Sales Associate

Rhinegeist Brewery; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati invites a Merchandise Sales Associate to be the face of our brand at the merch booth and in ecommerce. You will deliver exceptional guest experiences, manage a sharp merch floor, and process online orders with accuracy.

You will also lead brewery tours and grow our brand story with pride for craft beer culture. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, customer-focused, and capable of multitasking in a lively retail setting, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Self-starter who owns space, goals, and performance.
• Experience in retail, hospitality, or customer-facing roles preferred.
• Familiarity with POS systems; willingness to learn required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver brand-forward customer service to taproom guests and online shoppers.
• Lead engaging brewery tours after training to share Rhinegeist’s story.
• Process transactions, returns, and online orders accurately and timely.
• Stock, stage, and maintain the merchandise floor to brand standards.
• Meet personal sales and service goals contributing to store performance.

Skills

Self-starter

Retail experience

POS systems

Attention to detail

Craft beer

Problem solving

Flexible hours

Brand ambassador

Tools

POS software

Job description

Company Overview:

Rhinegeist Brewery is a regional craft brewery based in the historic Over-The-Rhine in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. We have built a strong and dedicated team of employees that believe in the power of beer to bring people together, create fantastic ideas, and build a community. Our unique group of employees believes that it is our responsibility to make inspiring beverages and cultivate memorable experiences. We strive to find high-quality, creative solutions with a fierce spirit of independence as we grow. At Rhinegeist, we welcome all people and thrive on a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Summary:

As a Merchandise Sales Associate, you will be the face of our brand at the merch booth and the engine behind our ecommerce operations. You'll deliver an outstanding guest experience, keep our taproom merchandise floor looking sharp, and ensure online orders are processed accurately and on time. As you develop a strong knowledge of Rhinegeist's history, brewing process, products, and brand story, you will also lead brewery tours, creating engaging and memorable experiences for our guests. This role is ideal for someone who loves craft beer culture, takes pride in a well-run retail environment, and thrives in a self-directed, guest-first setting.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Sales

• Deliver exceptional, brand-forward customer service to every taproom guest and online shopper.
• Proactively engage with guests on and off the sales floor, using suggestive selling techniques to drive merchandise and to-go beer revenue.
• A natural communicator who can connect with a wide range of guests and work seamlessly within a small team.
• Guest-obsessed—you bring energy and care to every interaction, whether it's face-to-face in the taproom, leading a brewery tour, or through a smooth online order experience.
• Act as a knowledgeable brand ambassador, confidently answering questions about our products, brewery, and brand story.
• Lead engaging brewery tours after completing Rhinegeist tour training, providing guests with an informative and memorable experience while sharing the history of Rhinegeist, our brewing process, and our brand story.
• Process in-person transactions, returns, and exchanges accurately and courteously.
• Process and fulfill online and pick-up orders accurately and within established turnaround times.
• Monitor order queues and communicate proactively about any fulfillment delays or inventory discrepancies.
• Stock, stage, and maintain the merchandise floor to brand visual standards, ensuring the product is always guest-ready.
• Replenish inventory to appropriate levels and communicate low-stock needs to the merchandise team.
• Maintain a neat, organized, and welcoming work area at all times.
• Assist with receiving, folding, tagging, and organizing new product arrivals.

Operations

• Accurately manage the cash drawer, including opening and closing procedures.
• Execute daily operational tasks efficiently.
• Meet personal sales and service goals that contribute to overall team and store performance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the success of the merchandise program.

Requirements

• A self-starter who takes ownership of your space, your sales goals, and your own performance without needing to be micromanaged.
• Experience in a retail, hospitality, or customer-facing environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems preferred; willingness to learn required.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask in a busy taproom environment.
• Solid understanding of inventory management and the importance of product accuracy.
• Passionate about craft beer, retail, or hospitality—and excited to represent a brand you believe in.
• A problem solver with a growth mindset: you welcome feedback, adapt quickly, and are always looking for ways to improve.
• Flexible and reliable—you understand that retail and taproom hours include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and you show up ready to go.
• Comfortable learning and confidently presenting Rhinegeist's history, brewing process, and brand story to groups of guests through guided brewery tours.
• Availability to work two weekend days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and at least one weekday.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and climb a ladder to stock shelves as needed.
• Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively with the broader taproom and merchandise team.

Additionally, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a position.