Wine Steward: Expert Pairings & Customer Experience

Kroger; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger in Encinitas, CA is seeking a wine department associate to deliver exceptional customer service and maintain a safe, clean store environment. You will assist customers, expand product knowledge, and support department goals in a fast-paced retail setting.

The role emphasizes wine and beer expertise, adherence to safety standards, and collaboration with store staff. Strong communication, 21+ age, and ability to work varied shifts are important.

Qualifications

• Second language (speaking, reading and/or writing).
• Knowledge of imported and domestic varieties, the flavor profiles and how they are made.
• Knowledge of industry trends in specialty wines and beers as they relate to the consumer.
• Experience working with wine and beer.
• Retail experience.
• High school education or equivalent.
• Must be 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Promote trust and respect among associates.
• Create an environment that enables customers to feel welcome, important and appreciated by answering questions regarding products sold within the department and throughout the store.
• Gain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the department and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products.
• Offer product samples, consistent with company guidelines and applicable laws, to help customers discover new items or products inquire about.
• Inform customers of wine specials.
• Provide customers with products that they have requested.
• Recommend wine items to customers to ensure they get the products they want and need.
• Assist customers with pairing of wine and other items such as meat, cheeses, desserts.
• Collaborate with store chef for wine tastings and other programs featuring wines.
• Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special ads.
• Ensure proper temperatures in cases and coolers are maintained and temperature logs are maintained.
• Reinforce safety programs by complying with safety procedures and identify unsafe conditions and notify store management.
• Practice preventive maintenance by properly inspecting equipment and notify appropriate department or store manager of any items in need of repair.
• Notify management of customer or employee accidents.
• Report all safety risk, or issues, and illegal activity, including: robbery, theft or fraud.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

Second language

Effective communication

Knowledge of basic math

Stress management

Education

High school education or equivalent

Job description

Kroger in Encinitas, CA is seeking a wine department associate to deliver exceptional customer service and maintain a safe, clean store environment. You will assist customers, expand product knowledge, and support department goals in a fast-paced retail setting.

The role emphasizes wine and beer expertise, adherence to safety standards, and collaboration with store staff. Strong communication, 21+ age, and ability to work varied shifts are important.