Butcher - Full Time

Role Overview

This position entails performing tasks associated with cutting, preparing, displaying, and selling various meat products. Team Members are expected to maintain a positive company reputation by delivering polite, friendly, and efficient service to both customers and colleagues in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures.

Key Duties

• Cutting, creating platters, and merchandising meats including beef, pork, lamb, veal, and poultry.
• Preparing specialty meat items such as sausages, oven-ready products, and cured meats.
• Ensuring all products meet quality standards as set by Whole Foods Market.
• Maintaining the sampling program and monitoring product freshness to prevent spoilage.
• Providing guidance and support to assigned Meat Cutter Trainees.
• Arriving punctually at the workstation, dressed appropriately, and ready for all scheduled shifts, including participation in required training and meetings.
• Delivering exceptional customer service, promptly and courteously addressing customer needs, and employing suggestive selling techniques; handling phone and page communications efficiently.
• Maximizing sales by properly prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising meat products.
• Complying with procedures related to Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the work and shopping environment and ensuring equipment meets cleanliness and safety standards.
• Carrying out opening, mid, and closing duties including verifying accuracy of signage and pricing.
• Immediately reporting safety hazards and violations to leadership.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned by store, regional, or national management.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of meat team operations and procedures.
• Proficiency in cutting meat down to sub-primal and retail portions.
• Extensive familiarity with different meat cuts and cooking methods for both meat and seafood.
• Able to visually evaluate product quality and freshness.
• Ability to gather market-related information and communicate it effectively to customers.
• Strong communication skills with a team-oriented approach.
• Capability to respectfully and clearly convey information to team members, customers, and vendors.
• Committed to meeting customer service standards in all interactions.
• Able to follow directions and procedures efficiently, with effective time management and organizational skills.
• A genuine passion for natural foods and the Whole Foods Market mission.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment requiring a sense of urgency.
• Understanding and adherence to WFM quality objectives.

Experience and Training

• A minimum of 14 months of retail experience is required.
• Completion of the Whole Foods Market Butcher Apprentice Program or a comparable training course is necessary.
• Exceptions may apply in the UK.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Requires standing or walking for approximately 6 to 8 hours during an 8-hour shift.
• Hand activities include grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Physical motions such as bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching are routine.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals and varying temperatures, including freezing, refrigeration, and above 90°F environments.
• Work takes place in wet and cold conditions.
• Competence in handling knives and cutting tools safely is essential.
• Flexible scheduling is required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Use of equipment such as box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery is expected.

Additional Information

This document provides an overview of core responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of all job duties. Job assignments and requirements may vary depending on location, business conditions, level of the role, and departmental needs. Advancement requires demonstrated successful performance and meeting business needs; completion of additional qualifications does not guarantee promotion.

Compensation and Benefits

The wage range spans $17.50 to $30.20 hourly, depending on experience. Whole Foods Market offers comprehensive benefits, including eligibility for store discounts, paid time off, financial wellness, health and wellness support programs, and other Team Member perks. Eligibility is determined by the specific benefit plans applicable at hire and may vary by location, tenure, and job type.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Whole Foods Market is an equal opportunity employer that hires and promotes solely based on qualifications and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.