Experienced Meat Cutter (Butcher)

Thornton, CO, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $22.55 - $36.08

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Store discount

financial wellness programs

Health and wellness support

flexible schedule

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned American multinational supermarket chain specializing in the retail of natural and organic foods. Founded in 1980, the company has grown to become a leader in its industry, championing a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community impact. With hundreds of locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Whole Foods Market focuses on offering fresh, healthy, and ethically sourced products to its customers. The company’s mission is to nourish people and the planet, which it pursues through various initiatives such as supporting local farmers, funding school garden grants, providing access to fresh food in underserved areas, and engaging in poverty alleviation efforts globally. Whole Foods Market is more than just a grocery retailer; it is a community-oriented organization dedicated to creating meaningful change both locally and globally, making it an inspiring workplace for employees who share these values.

The role of Expert Butcher at Whole Foods Market is a critical position within the Meat Team, requiring not only mastery in meat cutting and preparation but also leadership and mentoring skills. This role is perfect for individuals passionate about natural foods and animal welfare who want to contribute directly to the company’s mission. An Expert Butcher is responsible for handling, cutting, preparing, displaying, and selling meat and poultry products with high proficiency and care. As a senior member of the team, the Expert Butcher provides mentorship to apprentice and junior butchers, leads the meat department in the absence of managerial staff, and assists in ordering and inventory management. This role demands excellent customer service skills, strong organizational capabilities, and the ability to maintain strict adherence to safety and quality standards. Whole Foods Market offers a wage range for this position between $22.55 and $36.08 hourly, commensurate with experience, along with access to Whole Benefits, which provide comprehensive support including health and wellness programs, paid time off, store discounts, and more. This employment opportunity is seasonal or regular, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the hiring and promotion processes. Working as an Expert Butcher means you are not only advancing your career but also joining a team that strives to revolutionize the grocery industry while making a positive impact on communities and the planet.

Job Requirements

Must be able to lift 50 pounds
standing or walking 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday
hand use including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
ability to bend, twist, squat, and reach
exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
ability to tolerate temperatures up to 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

Job Qualifications

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 clearly and respectfully to 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
successfully completed WFM Butcher Apprentice Program or an equivalent training program
expert meat cutting experience in a butcher role, usually 3-5 years of full-time butcher experience
proven track record of training and mentoring other Butchers or Apprentice Butchers

Job Duties

Maintains WFM GIG policies and 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 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 customer needs in a timely and effective manner, 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