Retail Associate
About the Company: Niagara Oast House Brewers is a leading small batch brewery located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Being situated in one of Canada’s most famed agricultural regions and as a pioneer in “Farmhouse-style” brewing, we remain focused on creating premium beers that reflect both our land and our obsession with craft. Niagara Oast House Brewers is committed to quality, innovation, and sustainability as we continue to grow and expand our brand.
Job Summary:
As a Retail Associate, you play a key role in creating an exceptional guest experience at our brewery. From greeting customers to guiding tastings, supporting events, and assisting in day-to-day retail operations, you’ll be an essential part of a passionate and energetic team. If you’re passionate about sales, love craft beer, enjoy hospitality, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
- Welcome and assist all guests with genuine, friendly service
- Lead brewery tours and tastings, sharing knowledge about our beers and brewing process
- Process transactions accurately using the POS system, including keg sales and group bookings
- Open and close the retail area, including cash handling, restocking, and cleanliness
- Assist with back-of-house tasks like labeling, tagging, and packaging beer and merchandise
- Support the setup and breakdown of special events (on-site and off-site)
- Maintain a clean and organized retail and event space
- Drive sales through product knowledge and suggestive selling
- Participate in beer tastings and training sessions to maintain strong product knowledge
- Handle guest concerns professionally and escalate as needed
- Perform inventory counts and assist with shipping/local orders
- Lift and move beer cases and kegs as required
- Ensure all resources and tools are in place for each shift
Required Qualifications:
- Passion for sales, hospitality, craft beer, and exceptional customer service
- Outgoing, reliable, and able to work well independently and in a team
- Smart Serve certification (required)
- 1–3 years of experience in retail, hospitality, or beverage sales is an asset
- Comfortable standing for extended periods (8–10 hours)
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs (e.g., cases of beer, kegs)
- Willing to work outdoors and at off-site events as needed
- Reliable transportation to and from the brewery
- Comfortable using POS systems; familiarity with Odoo is an asset
- Available on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Work Environment:
- Fast-paced, guest-facing retail and hospitality setting
- Combination of indoor and outdoor work at the brewery
- Standing for extended periods; frequent walking and moving
- Lifting up to 50 lbs (beer cases, kegs, merchandise)
- Weekend, holiday, and occasional evening shifts required
- Collaborative, team-oriented atmosphere with a strong craft beer culture
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a passionate, collaborative team
- Work in a scenic and vibrant craft beer environment
- Ongoing training and product education
- Opportunities to participate in events and brewery culture
Compensation:
- Base salary plus tips as part of the overall compensation package.
Reports To: General Manager or Supervisor
Must be available to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional extended hours up to 2 AM to 3 AM.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure
In accordance with Ontario legislation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening, reviewing, and assessing applications during the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are ultimately reviewed and made by human decision-makers.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $17.60 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Sales in craft beer or alcoholic beverages: 2 years (preferred)
- POS systems: 2 years (preferred)
- sales: 2 years (preferred)
- customer service: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
Work Location: In person
