Jobs › Fresh Thyme Market

Cheese Specialist

Fresh Thyme Market · River Forest, IL · $16.05–$25.15 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Fresh Thyme Market

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you taught a customer something new about a product.

What they are checking: Educating customers in a friendly way that builds loyalty to the Cheese Shoppe.

How do you keep learning about cheese?

What they are checking: Curiosity and drive to stay the store's expert as products change.

What would you do

A customer wants something for a party but doesn't know what they like. How do you help?

What they are checking: Asking good questions and offering samples or pairings instead of pushing expensive items.

A customer says a cheese they bought tasted off. What do you do?

What they are checking: Making it right and checking the rest of the batch for quality issues.

About the work

As the cheesemonger in River Forest, you'd be the in-store expert. Which natural cheeses do you know well, and how would you describe them to a customer?

What they are checking: Real cheese knowledge and the ability to talk about flavor and texture in plain words.

Walk me through how you cut and wrap a wedge of hard cheese versus a soft-ripened one.

What they are checking: Proper handling that keeps cheese fresh and safe, which the posting lists first.

How do you check the case for outdated, close-dated or spoiled items?

What they are checking: Rotation and quality checks to reduce waste and protect customers.

What would you suggest pairing with a sharp aged cheddar?

What they are checking: Serving suggestions and cross-selling that the posting describes.

How do you follow a case schematic and keep the display looking great?

What they are checking: Following planograms while keeping the case attractive and full.

How do you prevent cross-contamination between different cheeses and allergens?

What they are checking: Clean tools and surfaces, especially for customers with allergies.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Fresh Thyme Market from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Fresh Thyme Market.

If you’re someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment, that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we’d like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team! Fresh Thyme Rewards • Weekly pay • Scheduling flexibility • Paid parental leave • Team member discount • Career growth opportunities As a Cheesemonger, you will support our pillars of quality and experience by being the in-store expert assisting and educating our customers regarding the Cheese Shoppe. You will deliver remarkable customer service by providing exceptional product knowledge, efficient service and a friendly attitude. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Extensive knowledge of Natural Cheeses; including proper handling of products during cutting and wrapping, labelling, product rotation and stocking the cases following the established schematics and watching for outdated, close dated or spoiled items • Offers positive information to customers regarding product attributes, uses, serving suggestions, selling or influencing cross-departmental purchases • Completes orders with suppliers, receives and inspects for accuracy of shipment, watches for short life or damaged goods, inspects temperature of shipments • Requires operating and using equipment such as scales, knives, cheese wires, wrappers, pallet jacks and hand trucks • Ensures cleanliness of all work areas, storage areas, display cases • Walks the cases frequently to ensure organized and attractive presentation, proper scale tags and case signage • Must be familiar with Health Department standards and guidelines regarding food handling • Manages the department schedule, training, hiring, coaching and completing competitive shops Education and Experience: • High school diploma or equivalent Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Possess a high level of customer service. • 2+ years of retail experience, preferably working with cheese. • Culinary/cheese knowledge or continued cheese/culinary education a plus. Knowledge and passion for specialization of cheese, such as brands, varieties, pairing, textures, origins, tastes, etc. preferred. • Advanced merchandising and product recommendation skills. • Ability to quickly build rapport and gain customer confidence to create repeat business. • Ability to stand for long periods of time. • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, bend, and twist while handling product. At Fresh Thyme, our team members Thrive . We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, and recognition programs that allows our most successful team members to be rewarded for their passion, dedication, and the results they consistently drive. Therefore, we are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects market standards and ensures consistency within our organization. The pay range for this position is listed below. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location. $16.05 - $25.15 This pay range represents the minimum and maximum base pay for the position, which is determined by factors such as market data, the qualifications required, the level of responsibilities associated with the role and other roles at this same level. Specific pay rates will be within this range and based on your experience, qualifications, and skills compared to the internal team of this role. Our team members Thrive because we are committed to the whole person. Not only do we offer a comprehensive benefits package for our full-time team members that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, but we also offer a variety of programs designed to support our part-time members as well. ALL Fresh Thyme team members enjoy paid parental leave, our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, and our 401(k) plan with an employer match. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that promotes work-life balance, long-term health and financial security, and continuous professional development. Come Thrive with us!

Apply at Fresh Thyme Market