Specialty Manager

Overall Compensation & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance packages - FT employees
• 401k plan – Employer matching
• Paid time off accruals
• 20% Employee discount
• Free Box Items for employees
• Performance reviews (30-day, 6-month, Annual)
• Quarterly Bonus*
• Happy Hour Bonus*
• Birthday Bonus*

*For more information, please contact us, and we will be happy to answer any questions about this benefit.

General Purpose: To successfully manage the Specialty Department to achieve the financial targets outlined by the Store Manager, and to grow the department’s sales through the merchandising and displaying of imported and domestic cheeses, wine and beer, outstanding customer service and creative merchandising, and by managing, supporting, and developing the Specialty staff members through clear direction and strong leadership.

Essential Duties:

• Achieve financial goals set forth by the Store Manager, Corporate Buyer and Director of Operations: sales, margins, labor, and inventory.
• Perform key human resource functions: hire and train new employees, document performance evaluations, issue disciplinary counselings, and terminations, monitor staff breaks, provide succession training, and complete supporting documentation in a timely manner.
• Effectively manage the staff of the Specialty Department through quality training, regular open communication, and meetings, clearly stated expectations, and an emphasis on each employee’s growth and development.
• Oversee the Cheese Buyer and Wine/Beer Buyer and support in the selection and purchasing of product.
  • When needed fulfill the purchasing responsibilities of the Specialty Department
  • Manage purchasing function with respect to proper mix, order cycles, and order books.
• Write the Specialty Department schedules to effectively handle the department’s workflow and promote sales, provide outstanding customer service and remain within the labor budget. Also, to monitor staff breaks and minimize overtime.
• Ensure the delivery of consistent, outstanding customer service in the Specialty Department that conforms to the Customer Service Standards, including proper response to customer requests, suggestions, and feedback in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain an outstanding merchandising plan that addresses displays, promotions, cleanliness, new products, resets, and contributes to overall appearance of the store, and always ensures proper department signage.
• Execute sales/promotions in a timely manner and work with the Marketing Department to sample products.
• Ensure all products meet quality and ingredient standards through proper rotation product knowledge.
• Maintain an abundant stock appearance while minimizing inventory.
• Manage shrink and monitor credits through effective organization and follow through.
• Maximize time spent on the sales floor (spend a minimum of 75% of scheduled hours on the sales floor).
• Promote and maintain a positive, clean, and safe atmosphere for shopping and working.

Other Responsibilities:

• Manage quarterly inventories for the Specialty Department.
• Assist other team members in achieving the goals of the Specialty Department and the store.
• Hold regular Department meetings (minimum of 1/ Qtr) and attend all scheduled all-store meetings.
• Know store layout/product location to walk the customer to the appropriate aisle when asked.
• Adhere to and enforce all Specialty Department and Store policies as outlined by the Store Manager, Staff Member Handbook and Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.
• Assist in maintaining security of the store, including enter/exit policy, and checking of employee bags and backpacks if necessary.

 Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability in managing the Specialty Department operations (quality cheese / beer / wine mix, hygiene/sanitation, margins, ordering, inventory control, merchandising, personnel management).
• Must have extensive beer and wine product knowledge i.e., wine flavors, beer flavors etc.
• Ability to assist with menu planning and food/wine pairings.
• Must have intermediate math skills, and be computer literate with experience in Windows, Outlook Express, Word and Excel.
• Strong skills in communication, listening, organization, time management and the ability to provide and coach legendary customer service.
• Leadership and team-building skills with the ability to coach, motivate, supervise, delegate, and constructively address performance issues.
• Willing to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Ability to understand, follow, and enforce Department of Health regulations, and obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate within 10 days of employment
• Ability to travel and/or transfer to other store locations.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs throughout any assigned shift unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull a loaded Specialty cart/rolling rack throughout any assigned shift unassisted.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb and balance on a step stool/ladder.
• Ability to stoop, kneel and crouch.
• Ability to sustain repetitive arm and hand motion.
• Ability to reach above shoulders and horizontally to stock and retrieve inventory.

Work Environment:

• Ability to work under a variety of conditions and temperatures, wet and dry, for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work safely around kitchen machinery and sharp knives.