Butcher / Apprentice Butcher

Farmer Copleys Farm Shop Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A diverse farm business in Pontefract is seeking a Butcher or Apprentice Butcher, passionate about quality meat and customer service. The ideal candidate will manage butchery operations and create attractive displays, while the apprentice role offers training in all aspects of butchery. Both roles include a friendly work environment with benefits such as staff discounts and pension schemes. A flexible, reliable team member is encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme

Staff Discount (25%)

Flexible hours/shifts

Health & wellbeing programme

On-site parking

Qualifications

• Passion for top quality meat and butchering.
• Experience in retail butchery is preferred.
• Willingness to learn for the apprentice role.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of butchery, including knife skills and customer service.
• Create attractive product displays and handle deliveries.
• Train and learn butchery techniques as an apprentice.

Skills

Knife skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Creativity

Job description

Job Title

Butcher / Apprentice Butcher

Location

Pontefract

Salary

Depending on experience

Job Type

Full time, permanent (40 hours per week)

Farmer Copleys is a Yorkshire based, award winning, diversified farm business offering a busy cafe, on site bakery, farm shop, production kitchen, Dessert parlour, private function hire facilities and outside seasonal events.

Our busy farm shop is open daily and offers a range of great tasting locally sourced items from a full butchery and deli offer, to fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables, home‑made bakes and all the other treats and delights that taste so great. Superb home‑made jams and preserves, sauces, dips, oils and every accompaniment you can imagine. We have our own home‑made gelato, in‑house bees and even gift items for that last‑minute present or treat.

We are looking for someone who knows their stuff or willing to learn and can make a real impression, whilst playing their part in the day to day running of the Butchery.

This job will suit an individual who really has a passion and appreciation for top quality meat and butchering with the drive to personalise and make a name for this department.

Butcher Role – Responsibilities & Requirements

• Full‑time retail butcher with experience in all aspects of butchery, knife skills and counter work.
• Keen eye for detail and creativity for producing the most attractive product displays.
• Ability to manage deliveries and transfers for our café use.
• Excellent and professional customer service skills; dealing with enquiries, queries and resolving complaints – our customers are our priority.
• The ability to drive sales through promotional ideas and creativity to bring seasonal offers/ideas.
• Perfectionist when it comes to hygiene and presentation.
• Real passion for meat.

Desired attributes:

• A friendly, enthusiastic and personable individual.
• Flexibility on days to work – every other weekend rota.
• Excellent interpersonal & organisational skills.
• Smart in appearance with high standards.
• Experience within a retail environment (preferably 5yrs plus experience desirable due to product range).
• Hardworking, honest, reliable and passionate about their work.
• Sound knowledge of Hygiene, Health, and Safety.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move meat products weighing up to 25‑30 kg.

Apprentice Role – Responsibilities & Requirements

As an Apprentice Butcher, you will learn every aspect of the trade, including:

• Preparing, cutting, and presenting meat to a high standard.
• Maintaining excellent hygiene and food safety practices.
• Serving customers with confidence and excellent service.
• Understanding different cuts, techniques, and product knowledge.

What we’re looking for:

• No previous experience required – just a genuine interest in butchery, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.
• Working as part of a supportive, hands‑on team.

What We Offer

• Full training delivered by experienced butchers.
• A recognised qualification in butchery.
• Real progression opportunities within the business.
• Competitive apprentice wage.
• A positive, encouraging work environment.

About You

• Enthusiastic and reliable.
• Keen to learn practical skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Friendly and comfortable speaking with customers.
• Able to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits (both roles)

• Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme.
• Staff Discount (25%).
• Flexible hours/shifts.
• Health & wellbeing programme (after 12m service).
• On‑site parking.

How to Apply

Please attach both a CV and also a Cover Letter to specify which role you’re applying for. Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Meat Cutter, Meat Clerk, Meat Trimmer, Slaughterman, Blockman, Meat Specialist, Butchery Manager, Meat Department Manager, Junior Butcher, Apprentice Meat Cutter, may also be considered for this role.