Meat Cutter Specialist/Meat Clerk-Richmond

Lee’s Marketplace is a family-owned grocery chain committed to providing an enjoyable shopping experience for our guests. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality products, exceptional service, and a friendly, welcoming environment. We value our team members and treat them like family, and we strive to make a positive impact in the communities in which we serve.

About the Role

The Meat Cutter Specialist is a highly skilled team member responsible for breaking down, cutting, trimming, and preparing various meat products according to company standards and guest preferences. In addition to advanced cutting techniques, the Meat Cutter Specialist provides exceptional service by assisting guests with custom orders, educating them on cuts and cooking methods, and maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized workspace. Once primary meat cutting responsibilities are completed, the Meat Cutter Specialist supports other department needs—including stocking, cleaning, and assisting team members—under the direction of leadership.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled cutting, boning, trimming, grinding, and portioning of beef, pork, poultry, and seafood products.
• Execute custom meat cutting requests while maintaining accuracy and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure all meat products are properly displayed, rotated, and merchandised in the case.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in cutting areas and equipment.
• Adhere to food safety, temperature, and storage guidelines at all times.
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, and storing meat deliveries.
• Operate and maintain department equipment (band saws, slicers, grinders, knives) safely and efficiently.
• Stay knowledgeable about meat grades, cuts, cooking methods, and guest preferences.
• Collaborate with the Meat Manager and team on inventory needs, promotions, and merchandising strategies.
• Provide outstanding guest service through product knowledge, recommendations, and custom solutions.
• Follow department procedures and help train junior staff or meat clerks as needed.
• Greet and assist guests in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Provide knowledgeable answers to guest inquiries, including product recommendations, cooking tips, and guidance on meat cuts and preparation methods.
• Promote and exemplify a high level of morale within the department and store.
• Store raw and prepared meat products at correct temperatures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure freshness.
• Follow First-In, First-Out (FIFO) procedures to minimize waste.
• Carefully transport meat products from receiving to storage, prep areas, and display cases while avoiding temperature abuse or physical damage.
• Accurately wrap, weigh, and label all products with correct descriptions, pricing, and dates in compliance with food safety regulations.
• Handle large cuts of meat and break them down into portions for case display, guest orders, or repackaging—ensuring uniformity and proper yield.
• Regularly clean and sanitize workstations, cutting boards, and equipment.
• Properly dispose of scraps and inedible parts, and document any product shrink or spoilage according to department guidelines.
• Assist in receiving meat shipments, checking for quality, temperature, and accuracy against invoices.
• Identify and prepare usable trim or leftover portions for ground meat or other value-added items while minimizing loss.
• Maintain clean, attractive, and guest-friendly display cases.
• Participate in stocking shelves and maintaining displays according to store standards.
• Unload deliveries and organize stock rooms as needed, checking all incoming items for quality and expiration dates.
• Ensure all recipes are followed accurately to maintain product consistency and quality.
• Minimize product waste by tracking production quantities against sales and adjusting production amounts based on demand.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety and sanitation procedures.
• Conduct regular temperature checks on coolers and freezers to ensure food safety.
• Assist with overseeing hygiene practices for all Meat staff, including regular hand washing, use of gloves, and proper sanitation of equipment.
• Monitor and enforce daily and weekly sanitation routines, including cleaning equipment, tools, and surfaces.
• Train and certify staff in proper food safety, meat handling, and equipment use procedures.
• Prevent workplace injuries by consistently using proper safety tools, equipment, and procedures when operating machinery and handling sharp tools.
• Report any safety hazards or equipment issues to the Meat Manager.
• Work cooperatively with team members to achieve store goals.
• Encourage all team members to reach the highest level of teamwork and guest service at all times.
• Communicate and support the Lee’s MarketPlace Mission statement and Core Values.
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Work closely with other department managers to support cross-functional tasks or promotions.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and recognition to team members.
• Foster a positive team environment that encourages accountability and mutual respect.
• Attend departmental, store, and company meetings as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in retail or guest service.
• 2+ years previous experience in meat cutting (retail or butcher shop preferred).
• Strong knowledge of meat products, processing techniques, and food safety regulations.
• Ability to stand, walk, twist, sit, and bend for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling small objects and operating equipment.
• Repetitive use of hands and arms to push, pull, carry, lift, reach, grip, and balance.
• Occasionally stoop, crouch, kneel, or crawl.
• Prolonged periods standing and walking.
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the store.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times, including floor to shoulder and overhead lifting repeatedly.
• Occasional use and climbing of step stools or ladders.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

• Ability to write, speak, hear, and understand the spoken word to respond promptly to pages, requests, team members, and guests.
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience in training and developing staff.
• Proven ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve goals.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills to address operational challenges.
• Ability to implement solutions quickly and effectively.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage various department operations simultaneously.
• Ability to learn new technology quickly.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle customer inquiries and complaints effectively.
• Strong math skills.
• Ability to read and follow instructions.
• Good verbal communication skills.

Tools and Machinery

• Pallet jack
• Wheeler
• Trash compactor
• Grinders
• Blades/slicers/knives
• Wrapping machine
• Scales
• Sheeters
• Trays, pans, racks
• Tempering tools
• Temperature-controlled rooms
• Computers
• Phones

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage/salary
• Paid time and a quarter on Sundays
• Health insurance, Disability plans, EAP, 401k plans, and Supplemental Insurances
• 10% discount, restrictions apply
• Ace Hardware Discount at Lees Ace Hardware locations
• Paid Time Off to those who qualify

Work Environment

• Friendly and supportive team atmosphere
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
• Safety-focused environment
• Innovative, supportive, and input-driven management team