Butcher

Overview

This role involves cutting, preparing, displaying, and selling various meat products while upholding the company's positive image through courteous and efficient customer and team interactions. The position requires strict adherence to team and store procedures, health and safety regulations, and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Cut, platter, and merchandise meats including beef, pork, lamb, veal, and poultry.
• Prepare specialty meat items such as sausages, oven-ready products, and cured meats.
• Inspect products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Manage sampling programs and assist in spoilage prevention.
• Mentor and assist assigned Meat Cutter Trainees.
• Maintain punctuality, proper grooming, and participate in scheduled shifts, trainings, and meetings.
• Deliver outstanding customer service, respond promptly and courteously to inquiries, and apply suggestive selling techniques.
• Optimize sales by properly prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising meats.
• Follow all established procedures related to weights and measures, sanitation, and safe working practices.
• Keep the work and shopping areas clean and sanitary; maintain equipment according to cleanliness and safety standards.
• Perform assigned opening, mid, and closing duties, ensuring signage and pricing accuracy.
• Report safety hazards and violations immediately.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by leadership at various levels.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Understanding of meat department processes and procedures.
• Proficient cutting skills capable of breaking down meat into sub-primal and retail cuts.
• Comprehensive knowledge of meat and seafood cuts and cooking techniques.
• Ability to visually assess product quality and freshness.
• Capacity to gather market condition information and effectively communicate it to customers.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Skill in delivering clear, respectful information to colleagues, customers, and vendors.
• Strong customer service aptitude meeting all interaction standards.
• Ability to follow procedures, manage time efficiently, and stay organized.
• Passion for natural foods and commitment to company mission.
• Strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with urgency.
• Understanding and compliance with company quality goals.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 14 months retail experience.
• Successful completion of the Whole Foods Market Butcher Apprentice Program or equivalent training.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Standing and walking for 6-8 hours per 8-hour shift.
• Use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Work involves bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to a range of temperatures including below freezing, refrigerated, and warm environments.
• Work in wet and cold conditions.
• Handling knives and various cutting equipment safely.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Operation of tools and machinery such as box cutters and electric pallet jacks.

Additional Information

This summary outlines essential duties but is not exhaustive. Job duties may vary depending on business conditions, location, and departmental needs. Progression in roles requires demonstrated successful performance and business need; advancement is not guaranteed by tenure alone.

Compensation and Benefits

The wage range is $19.50 to $30.20 per hour, dependent on experience. Full and part-time team members are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including discounts, paid time off, financial and health wellness programs, and various perks. Eligibility varies based on location, tenure, and employment type.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, or other protected characteristics. Hiring and promotions are based solely on qualifications and business needs.