Experienced Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Job Responsibilities: 

• Maintains WFM GIG policies, standard operation procedures, and quality standards. 

• Performs all aspects of meat cutting including achieving margin and preventing shrink; prepares special orders and custom requests; follows assigned trimming specifications. 

• Cuts, platters, and merchandises products (beef, pork, lamb, veal, bison, poultry, sausage, oven ready products, and cured meats); ensures accuracy of signs and pricing. 

• Trains and mentors other Butchers and Apprentice Butchers including performing the duties of the Designated Instructor. 

• Supervises and delegates tasks to Meat Team Members, Apprentice Butchers, and Butchers. 

• Functions as point person and departmental person in charge in absence of Team Leadership. 

• Assists Team Leadership with ordering and inventory management including submitting orders in their absence. 

• Provides excellent customer service, addresses the needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously. 

• Maintains, or ensures maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards. 

• Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned.  

• Immediately reports safety hazards and violations. 

• Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership. 
   

Job Skills 

• Extensive knowledge of meat and poultry, product claims, cooking techniques, and product origins sold within the local market. 

• Knowledge of living conditions of animals and the ability to educate the public on these issues.  

• Excellent cutting skills with ability to break product down into sub-primal and retail cuts. 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate work as assigned. 

• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.  

• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectable manner to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors. 

• Passion for natural foods, animal welfare, and the mission of Whole Foods Market.  

• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency. 

• Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals. 
   

Experience 

• Successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program, or an equivalent training program.* 

• Expert meat cutting experience in a butcher role, usually resulting from 3-5 years of full-time butcher experience* 

• Proven track record of training and mentoring other Butchers or Apprentice Butchers.* 

• *Exceptions may apply for UK 
   

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions 

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 

• In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours. 

• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling. 

• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching. 

• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. Exposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment. 

• Ability to handle knives and other cutting equipment. 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.  

• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery. 
   

Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.