Experienced Meat Cutter (Butcher)

As an Expert Butcher at Whole Foods Market, you will demonstrate deep expertise in handling, cutting, preparing, displaying, and selling meat and poultry while mentoring Butchers and Apprentice Butchers and supervising the Meat Team.

Responsibilities

• Maintains Whole Foods Market GIG policies, standard operating procedures, and quality standards.
• Performs all aspects of meat cutting, including achieving margin goals 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 Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, including performing duties of the Designated Instructor.
• Supervises and delegates tasks to Meat Team Members, Apprentice Butchers, and Butchers.
• Acts as the departmental point person in the absence of Team Leadership.
• Assists with ordering and inventory management, including submitting orders when Team Leadership is unavailable.
• Provides excellent customer service, addressing customer needs promptly and effectively; models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages courteously.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary working environment; ensures equipment meets 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.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of meat and poultry, including product claims, cooking techniques, and product origins sold in the local market.
• Knowledge of animal living conditions and ability to educate the public on these issues.
• Excellent cutting skills, including breaking down products into sub-primal and retail cuts.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to delegate work effectively.
• 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 Whole Foods Market’s mission.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with urgency.
• Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Whole Foods Market Butcher Apprentice Program or an equivalent training program (exceptions may apply for UK candidates).
• Expert meat-cutting experience, typically from 3–5 years of full-time butcher experience.
• Proven track record of training and mentoring other Butchers or Apprentice Butchers.

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 bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures up to 90°F.
• Ability to work in wet and cold environments.
• Ability to handle knives and other cutting equipment.
• Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and heavy machinery.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $21.55–$35.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits," including:

• Store discount
• Paid time off
• Financial wellness programs
• Health and wellness support programs
• Access to other Team Member perks

Eligibility for benefits is determined at the date of hire and may vary by work location, length of service, and job type (regular or seasonal).