Butchery Assistant / Apprentice Butcher

Foodstuffs South Island Limited; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Foodstuffs South Island Limited in Christchurch is seeking energetic individuals to join our Butchery team on a full-time basis. Whether you’re new to butchery or have some experience, you’ll receive hands-on training from qualified butchers and have the option of a full Butchery Apprenticeship.

Your day includes team collaboration, learning beef, lamb, pork and poultry skills, serving customers, keeping the workspace clean and safe, and presenting products with pride.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; willingness to learn and be coachable.
• Strong work ethic and genuine passion for fresh food.
• Good communication and customer-focused attitude.

Responsibilities

• Team collaboration — work closely with a supportive crew and communicate well.
• Learning real butchery skills — beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and small goods like sausages.
• Using initiative — identify tasks and take pride in details.
• Helping customers — provide friendly, knowledgeable service on the shop floor and serve over.
• Cleaning & food safety — keep workspace clean and safe.
• Packing & presentation — ensure products look appealing.

Skills

Customer service

Team communication

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Job description

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Ready to kick start your butchery career — or take the next step in a fresh new environment? Our industry leading Butchery team is growing, and we’re looking for someone with energy, curiosity, and a passion for great food to join us full-time.

Whether you’re already working in butchery or just starting out, we’ll support you with hands on training from our qualified butchers. For the right person a full Butchery Apprenticeship is available.

Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday — 6am to 4pm

What Your Day Looks Like

• Team collaboration — working closely with a supportive crew and communicating well
• Learning real butchery skills — beef, lamb, pork, chicken, plus small goods like sausages
• Using initiative — spotting what needs doing and taking pride in the details
• Helping customers — offering friendly, knowledgeable service on the shop floor and serve over
• Cleaning & food safety — keeping our workspace spotless and safe
• Packing & presentation — ensuring products look as good as they taste

What We’re Looking For

• A strong work ethic and genuine passion for fresh food
• Motivation to learn — you’re open, coachable, and eager to grow
• Pride in your work — you care about quality and presentation
• Great communication and a friendly, customer focused attitude
• Attention to detail — because the small things matter

Experience helps, but it’s not essential. The right attitude is.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• A positive, tight knit team culture
• Ongoing training and real development opportunities
• A vibrant central city location surrounded by foodies, families, tourists, and sports fans
• A Butchery department known for craftsmanship, quality, and exceptional service
• Supportive Owner/Operators and a leadership team that invests in you

With Te Kaha Stadium and the Metro Sports Facility nearby, we’re right at the heart of Christchurch’s exciting renewal — and our Fresh Foods Court is a key part of that buzz.

If you’re passionate, hardworking, and ready to learn, we want to hear from you. Show us why you’re the perfect fit to help deliver an outstanding butchery experience for our customers.

Applications close Sunday 14 June 2026.