Position Overview
We are excited to expand Harvey Cheese & St Duke's Distillery with our second location in the vibrant Swan Valley Central shopping center at 7&8 / 660 Great Northern Highway, Herne Hill. As Store Manager, you will play a pivotal role in launching and operating this new site, overseeing daily operations, team leadership, and customer experience. This is a hands-on role focused on driving sales of our premium cheese, ice cream, deli products and distillery offerings. You'll ensure a seamless opening by coordinating fit-out completion, stock setup, and initial promotions, aligning with our lease start on 1 November 2025 (with early access from 7 October for preparations).
If you're passionate about artisanal food and beverages, customer service, and building a community hub in the Swan Valley, this is your opportunity to lead our growth.
Key Responsibilities
• Launch and Operations Management: Oversee the store's opening preparations, including fit-out coordination, inventory setup, and compliance with lease terms. Manage day-to-day operations to ensure smooth trading from day one, handling everything from stock replenishment to visual merchandising.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and supervise a team of 5-10 staff members, fostering a positive work environment focused on product knowledge, sales techniques, and exceptional service. Conduct performance reviews and motivate the team to meet sales targets.
• Sales and Customer Engagement: Drive revenue through upselling cheese tastings, ice cream pairings, deli platters, and distillery tastings/events. Build relationships with local Swan Valley customers, tourists, and suppliers to promote our exclusivity in cheese, deli, and cured meats.
• Inventory and Compliance: Manage stock levels for perishable goods, ensuring quality control and minimal waste. Adhere to food safety standards, liquor licensing (for St Duke's products), and lease obligations like outgoing payments and signage usage.
• Marketing and Promotions: Collaborate on launch events, leveraging in-store signage, window displays, and common area promotions to attract foot traffic.
• Financial Oversight: Monitor budgets, track sales, and report on KPIs like revenue growth and customer feedback to support lease reviews and extensions.
• Problem-Solving: Address any operational challenges, such as exclusivity clauses to prevent direct competition, and adapt to the dynamic Swan Valley market.
Qualifications and Skills
• Proven experience as a store manager in retail, food & beverage, or hospitality (e.g., deli, cheese shop, or distillery).
• Strong knowledge of artisanal products, including cheese, ice cream, cured meats, and spirits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to thrive in a startup-like environment for a new location launch.
• Familiarity with POS systems, inventory software, and basic financial reporting.
• MLP certification (Manager of Licensed Premises) required for distillery handling (or ability to obtain)
• Availability for flexible hours, including weekends and peak tourist seasons in Swan Valley.
• A passion for local produce and community engagement.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary package (commensurate with experience.
• Performance bonuses tied to store success and launch milestones.
• Staff discounts on Harvey Cheese & St Duke's products.
• Opportunities for growth as we expand beyond the initial 2-year lease.
• A supportive team environment in the heart of Swan Valley's food and wine scene.
To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to info@harveycheese.com.au. Applications close 15 October 2025. Harvey Cheese & St Duke's Distillery is an equal opportunity employer.