About the Company
Waitrose & Partners is a premium British supermarket chain with a reputation for quality, service, and sourcing the finest produce. As part of the John Lewis Partnership, we are committed to employee well-being, sustainability, and offering exceptional food experiences to our customers. Joining us means becoming a co-owner in a business that values expertise, passion, and continuous learning, particularly in specialist areas like our cheese counters.
Job Description
Are you passionate about food and eager to learn the intricate art of cheese? Waitrose & Partners is seeking an enthusiastic Artisan Cheesemonger Trainee to join our vibrant team in Manchester. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of artisanal cheese, learning everything from its origins and production to expert cutting, wrapping, and customer service. You will gain hands-on experience in food affinage – the delicate process of maturing and refining cheese – under the guidance of experienced cheesemongers. If you have a keen interest in gourmet food, an eagerness to learn, and a desire to provide outstanding customer experiences, we encourage you to apply and start a rewarding career with us.
Key Responsibilities
- Learn and apply techniques for proper cheese handling, storage, and rotation to ensure optimal quality and freshness.
- Assist in the cutting, wrapping, and weighing of various artisanal cheeses for customer orders.
- Develop in-depth product knowledge about different cheese types, their origins, flavour profiles, and perfect pairings.
- Engage with customers, offer expert recommendations, and provide exceptional service with a friendly and approachable manner.
- Participate in the affinage process, monitoring and caring for cheeses during their maturation period.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and visually appealing cheese counter, adhering to all food safety and hygiene standards.
- Contribute to inventory management, including receiving deliveries and stock rotation.
- Attend training sessions and workshops to continuously enhance your knowledge and skills in cheesemongering.
Required Skills
- A genuine passion for food, particularly cheese, and a desire to learn about artisanal products.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers and team members.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment, including weekends and holidays as required.
- Basic numeracy skills for weighing and pricing products.
- Willingness to undertake manual tasks, including lifting and standing for extended periods.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a retail, hospitality, or customer service role.
- Basic food hygiene certification or willingness to obtain one.
- Knowledge of different cheese types or a demonstrable interest in food specialities.
- A proactive attitude and a desire for continuous personal and professional development.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and pension scheme.
- Partnership bonus – an annual bonus shared across all employees, dependent on business performance.
- Generous staff discount across Waitrose & Partners and John Lewis.
- Comprehensive training and development programme in artisan cheesemongering.
- Opportunity for career progression within a leading UK retailer.
- Access to a range of wellbeing resources and support.
- Subsidised meals in partner dining rooms.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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