Full-Time Butcher

Overview

This role involves performing all aspects related to the cutting, preparation, display, and sales of various meat products at Whole Foods Market. The position demands delivering courteous, friendly, and efficient service to both customers and team members while complying with all company standard operating procedures and supporting Whole Foods Market's core values and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Cutting, arranging, and merchandising different types of meat including beef, pork, lamb, veal, and poultry.
• Preparation of specialty meat items such as sausage, oven-ready products, and cured meats.
• Inspecting products to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Maintaining and executing the sampling program as required.
• Monitoring inventory to reduce spoilage and waste.
• Providing guidance and support to designated Meat Cutter Trainees.
• Arriving on time, maintaining professional grooming and attire, and participating in scheduled shifts along with mandatory training and meetings.
• Delivering excellent customer service, addressing customer needs promptly, and applying suggestive selling techniques including answering phone calls and pages courteously.
• Maximizing sales potential through proper preparation, storage, stock rotation, and product merchandising.
• Following established procedures related to weights and measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices, and ensuring compliance thereof.
• Maintaining a clean and sanitary work and shopping environment, including proper upkeep of equipment per company standards.
• Performing duties related to opening, mid-shift, and closing responsibilities, ensuring accuracy in signage and pricing.
• Promptly reporting safety hazards and violations.
• Completing other duties as assigned by leadership at store, regional, or national levels.

Required Skills

• Knowledgeable about meat department operations and processes.
• Proficient cutting skills to break down meat into sub-primal and retail portions.
• Extensive understanding of various meat and seafood cuts and cooking methods.
• Ability to assess product freshness and quality visually.
• Capable of acquiring and conveying market condition information to customers.
• Strong communication skills and a cooperative team spirit.
• Clear and respectful communication with teammates, customers, and suppliers.
• Capability to meet customer service standards in all interactions.
• Adept at following instructions, managing time effectively, and maintaining organization.
• Passion for natural foods aligned with Whole Foods Market’s mission.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to quality goals and standard compliance within the company.

Experience

• At least 14 months of retail experience.
• Successful completion of Whole Foods Market Butcher Apprentice Program or a similar training course.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Standing or walking for 6 to 8 hours during an 8-hour shift.
• Use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling movements.
• Physical motions such as bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching required.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals approved by FDA and varying cold and hot temperatures including freezing, refrigeration, and temperatures above 90°F.
• Work in wet and cold environments.
• Competent in using knives and other cutting equipment safely.
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Ability to operate tools and machinery such as box cutters and electric pallet jacks.

Additional Information

This description serves as a summary of essential job responsibilities and is not a complete list of duties. Job functions may vary based on business needs, location, and departmental requirements. Advancement requires demonstrated successful performance and the existence of business need. Milestones such as qualifications or tenure do not guarantee promotions.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a wage range between 17.50 and 30.20 USD per hour, depending on experience. Team members are eligible for "Whole Benefits," which include store discounts, paid time off, health and wellness programs, financial support, and other perks based on hire date, location, tenure, and job type.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Whole Foods Market is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace free of discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. Employment and promotion decisions are based solely on qualifications and business need.