Job Title:

Store Manager -

Artisanal Cheese Shop & Tasting Room Location:

Windsor, VT Job Type:

Full-time Reports To:

COO About Us We live and breathe exceptional cheese. Grafton Village Cheese Co. and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. are cheesemakers expanding our artisanal cheese retail location and tasting room dedicated to celebrating our handcrafted cheeses, boutique gifts and provisions. We believe every piece of cheese tells a story, and we strive to create a warm, educational, and delicious experience for every guest who walks through our doors. Position Overview We are seeking a passionate, hospitality-minded Store Manager to lead our retail shop and tasting room operations. You will be the heart of our storefront: responsible for delivering an exceptional customer experience, fostering a knowledgeable and energetic team, keeping our inventory impeccably fresh, and driving business growth as part of a team. If you are a creative lover of specialty foods, an organized leader, and someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, we'd love to talk to you. Key Responsibilities 1. Customer Experience

• Lead by example on the floor, providing a warm, engaging experience for both retail shoppers and tastings.
• Guide guests through curated cheese flights, wine/beer pairings, and custom cheeseboard selections. Tell the story well.
• Handle customer inquiries, feedback, and special requests with grace and enthusiasm. 2. Operations & Inventory Management
• Oversee daily retail and tasting room operations, ensuring the space is clean, beautifully merchandised, and welcoming.
• Manage inventory levels, order products, and maintain strict quality control (monitoring proper cheese care, aging, rotation, and minimizing waste).
• Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, and state/local health department regulations. 3. Team Leadership & Development
• Recruit, hire, train, and schedule a talented team of cheese enthusiasts and staff.
• Educate staff on product profiles, pairing suggestions, cheese history, and sales techniques.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture. 4. Financials & Sales
• Drive retail and tasting room sales to achieve monthly targets. Collaborate with the Marketing and Sales team.
• Manage labor hours, inventory budgets, and daily POS reconciliation.
• Support special events, private tastings, catering/platter orders, and seasonal promotions. Qualifications & Skills

Experience:

2+ years of leadership/management experience in retail, upscale food & beverage, or hospitality. Willing to train the right person!

Cheese Knowledge:

Strong background in or passion for artisanal/specialty cheese, cured meats, and wine/beer pairings (Certified Cheese Professional credentials are a plus!).

Operational:

Proficient with POS systems, inventory management software, and scheduling tools.

Customer-Centric:

A true passion for hospitality and sharing food stories with others.

Physical Stamina:

Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 40 lbs, and enjoy eating cheese.

Flexibility:

Willingness to work weekends and evening events as needed. Perks & Benefits

Competitive Compensation:

[$50,000 - $65,000] / year (depending on experience).

• Generous employee discount on cheese
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and health insurance benefits.
• Professional development opportunities (e.

g., cheese educational courses, Vermont Cheese Council, farm/creamery visits). How to Apply Please send your résumé and a brief cover letter telling us about your favorite cheese and why you love it to [Email Address] with the subject line "Store Manager Application - [Your Name]" .

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person