Job Description

As an Expert Butcher, you are expected to showcase high levels of knowledge and proficiency regarding the handling, cutting, preparation, display, and selling of meat and poultry. You are expected to serve as coach and mentor to Butchers and Apprentice Butchers, supervise the entire Meat Team, and place orders when Team Leadership is not available.

At Whole Foods Market, we uphold our Core Values and Leadership Principles by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.

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.