Specialty Cheese Department Lead

*Opportunity for promotion*

Company Overview

Established in 1929, Heinen’s is a leading, family-owned grocery retailer known for its premium-quality products and outstanding customer service. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Heinen’s operates 24 locations – 19 in the Cleveland, Ohio area and 5 in the Chicago, Illinois market – supported by two distribution warehouses, a food production facility, and a corporate office located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.

Our culture is rooted in an associate-first philosophy, placing a strong emphasis on the well-being, development, and quality of life of every team member. We offer competitive compensation, professional development and leadership training programs, paid time off, and flexible scheduling designed to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Role Overview

At Heinen’s, our approach to specialty cheese centers on creating a “cheese shop within a grocery store”. To accomplish this, we look for individuals who have a love for cheese and embrace fun, creative ways to bring that vision to life for our customers to share in and experience.

Additionally, our specialty cheese leads have the autonomy to make decisions around sales, product assortment, customer engagement, product procurement, merchandising, demos, and events.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste for the specialty cheese business. You will be working alongside a passionate dedicated team and will be able to develop your experience and understanding of our product assortment. You will also have an opportunity to participate in educational trips (local), meet with vendor partners, and participate in monthly training.

Benefits & Programs

• Benefits and 401K eligible (5% employer match).
• Flexible schedules – live and work in harmony!
• Closed on 7 major holidays.
• Competitive wages and regular wage increases.
• Professional development opportunities.
• 20% discount on in-store purchases (excludes alcohol)
• Semiannual bonus program.
• Associate assistance program.
• Associate recognition program.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor team members to achieve sales goals, maintain profit margins, and deliver outstanding customer service.
• Provide consistent training and development on department standards, policies, and best practices to ensure operational excellence.
• Prioritize, delegate, and oversee daily tasks to meet business objectives, maximize productivity, and ensure operational efficiency.
• Communicate effectively with team members, cross-functional partners, merchandisers, and corporate departments to maintain clarity and alignment.
• Participate in daily operations, including inventory control, stocking, ordering, product rotation, merchandising, and shrink management.
• Create and manage employee schedules bi-weekly to align staffing levels with business and customer needs.
• Maintain in-depth product knowledge to provide expert guidance and drive customer satisfaction.
• Foster a positive, collaborative team culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, productivity, and service quality.
• Attend required corporate meetings, vendor calls, and training sessions to stay informed of policies, procedures, and company initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental goals and overall company success.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education preferred.
• 1–3 years of leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience preferred.
• Experience in a leadership development program is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, delegate tasks, and make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities. Must be able to work independently.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. regularly and work in varying temperature environments (0°F to 90°F).
• Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings, weekends, and overtime as required.
• Commitment to company policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Illinois Benefits Information

• Retirement PlanCompany-sponsored 401k plan for eligible full-time and part-time associates. 5% company match.
• Healthcare BenefitsMedical and Pharmacy coverage for full-time Spending and Health Savings Account options, as well as Commuter Benefit -provided Dental and Vision coverage for full-time and part-time associates.
• Paid Time OffPaid Time Off, including paid sick time.
• InsuranceCompany-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance.
• Work-Life BalanceFlexible scheduling for better work on 7 major holidays.
• Growth and DevelopmentDaily professional development and growth opportunities, including leadership development for all associates.
• WellbeingCompany-provided associate assistance , Parental and Personal Leave options.
• Discounts20% discount on Heinen's products.