Journey Meat Cutter

Metropolitan Market; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Market is seeking a Meat Cutter to support the Meat Department with customer service, product preparation, and merchandising. The role requires precision in cutting, knowledge of food safety, and strong attention to inventory and display quality.

You will engage customers, educate on product selection, and help uphold high standards for safety, freshness, and portion control while collaborating with the Meat Manager and team.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years retail meat industry experience.
• Possesses appropriate license required by the state and/or county.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates knowledge of food safety and HACCP/Department of Health guidelines.
• Proven customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide product information to meet needs and build rapport.
• Cut meats with precision and ensure quality, freshness, and portion control.
• Assist with ordering and merchandising to maximize sales and display appeal.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe meat department area; follow sanitation guidelines.
• Support training and mentoring of junior staff and adhere to company policies.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Communication

Attention to detail

Food safety

Education

Meat cutting license (state/county)

Job description

Position Description

Metropolitan Market

Position Title: Meat Cutter

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification: Union

Department: Operations, Meat

Reports To: Meat Manager

Job Summary: As a key member of our Meat Department, this position is responsible for customer service, sales generation, product preparation, food safety, quality control, work safety, and merchandising. Cuts meats with precision and skill, benefiting customers and the Company. Educates customers in the areas of product selection, recipe ideas, and meal solutions.

Essential Functions (include, but are not limited to the following):

I. Product Management

• Assists with effective ordering of all products for the Meat Department; maintains display case inventory at a level that promotes creative and effective merchandising and maximizes sales potential.
• Participates in determining order quantities and verifying cost of goods. Participates in maintaining positive store-level vendor relations. Informs the Meat Manager of vendor price changes on approved products as needed.
• Assists the Meat Manager with determining product selections; performs category management functions as assigned by the Meat Manager or as needed.
• Consistently achieves all food preparation guidelines, including full compliance with established recipe program; ensures prepared food consistency, quality, freshness, and portion control.
• Processes all mis-picks, damaged goods, and credits within established guidelines and reports information to the Meat Manager.
• Complies with stocking standards that ensure high product quality, including rotation procedures. Incorporates cleaning with stocking and rotation requirements.
• Immediately notifies the Meat Manager of all short-coded products; ensures adjustments to pricing, signage, and displays are completed as assigned by the Meat Manager.
• Alerts the Meat Manager of incorrect billing issues.
• Processes all invoices and credits for products billed by weight by following approved Metropolitan Market receiving policies and procedures; follows-up appropriately with the Meat Manager.
• Participates in physical inventory on a quarterly basis, or as needed.

• Assists with the development and maintenance of product displays that create an exciting marketplace; strives to develop displays that pique customer interest and impact customer buying trends.

• Assists the Meat Manager with ensuring effective informational and price point signing is posted for all products; assists the Senior Meat Manager in developing effective product descriptions and establishing correct verbiage for all related signs/materials.

• Assists with preparation for weekly Culinary Artist presentations as needed; provides adequate inventory of department–related featuredproducts.

II. Customer Service

• Immediately greets all customers; demonstrates genuine enthusiasm and sincerity; customizes approach to meet customer needs and build rapport. Creates customer loyalty through individualized service.
• Anticipates customer needs and questions related to products; completes industry-related reading and self-education activities required to remain knowledgeable and current in areas of responsibility, including product knowledge (e.g., product tasting, cutting-edge trends, product use research, and vocabulary development). Effectively follows through with customers, including item requests, questions, and concerns.
• Effectively shifts gears to meet customer needs; moves with ease from greeting to providing product information, up-selling, closing the sale, thanking customers, and inviting them back. Effectivelyassesses customers’ needs and appropriately suggests products. Offers customers opportunities to interact with products.

• Develops customer base by providing excellent customer service throughout the store; effectively secures the assistance of other store personnel as needed.

• Readsily provides customers information on store layout, services, and activities (e.g., promotions and special products).

• Ensures all customer and other phone inquiries are handled with appropriate telephone etiquette, effectively providing consistent, friendly, and efficient service.

• Maintains Meat Department area in a clean, organized, customer-friendly manner; consistently provides customers a professional, upbeat atmosphere.

III. Operations

• Adheres to all food safety and sanitation requirements. Consistently demonstrates knowledge of HACCP and Department of Health provisions.
• Completes daily activities as assigned or needed; ensures daily tasks and assignments are accomplished correctly and in a timely manner.
• Participates in Meat Department staff meetings and store staff meetings as required.
• Maintains back room, walk-in coolers and freezer in a safe, clean, and organized manner; stores products in a manner that allows easy access to back stock.
• Uses work-related equipment correctly under manufacturer guidelines.
• Adheres to company guidelines regarding prevention of internal and external loss, including risk management, accident prevention/safety awareness, and loss prevention.
• Contributes to a productive, enjoyable work environment; fosters working relationships that promote positive team morale. Effectively utilizes the Company’s Open Door and Conflict Resolution programs as needed. Gives and receives input/feedback in a solution-based manner.
• Maintains safe environment for customers and employees; ensures hazardous conditions are promptly handled in an appropriate manner.
• Effectively uses telephone, paging, and voice mail systems in a professional manner.
• Practices safe procedures when handling and storing cutlery.
• Fully capitalizes upon training, mentoring, and counseling opportunities. Actively identifies methods/ways to improve job performance and further contribute to the department as a whole. Self-initiates training and consistently demonstrates accountability.
• Participates in the training and mentoring processes of other team members (e.g., Apprentice Meat Cutters and Meat Wrappers) as needed or assigned.
• Readily accepts delegated responsibilities and positively responds to the direction of the Meat Manager. Accurately completes assigned projects within a given time frame.
• Understands proper procedures for customer telephone orders and effectively follows through with department guidelines.

IV. Miscellaneous

• Upholds all Metropolitan Market policies and procedures; adheres to all applicable local, state, and federal laws; adheres to applicable UFCW Union contract provisions.
• Performs all job responsibilities with professionalism and appropriate discretion/confidentiality as determined by the Company’s policies, procedures, and expectations; acts accordingly at all times while representing the Company (including activities/functions away from the store location).
• Consistently presents a professional personal image, including impeccable execution of the Company’s General Dress Guideline/Uniform Standards and Professional Image Standards.
• Adheres to workplace cleanliness and personal hygiene standards.
• Works a flexible schedule as required by business needs.
• Achieves Metropolitan Market attendance requirements.
• Identifies opportunities for enhancement or improvement of processes/systems. Communicates promptly to the Meat Manager. Recommends/implements solutions as appropriate.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Meat Manager.

VI. Physical Requirements

• Utilizes a variety of specific job-related equipment as required or assigned by an appropriate manager or supervisor.
• Reference page four of the Metropolitan Market Meat Cutter Position Description.

Qualifications/Skills Required: To successfully perform the requirements of this position, an individual must consistently execute each essential function at a satisfactory level. The requirements listed in the following text are representative of the knowledge, experience, and skill levels required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum two years retail meat industry experience required.
• Possesses appropriate license required by the state and/or county.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality output while working within deadlines a must. Sense of urgency required. Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of self-motivation; takes initiative; problem solves.
• Possesses knowledge of food safety and HACCP/Department of Health guidelines.
• Successful experience with food merchandising and display preferred.
• Possesses adequate product information with a proven history of using knowledge to best service customers. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding of food, including ingredients, applications, pronunciations, and culinary skills. Possesses a genuine passion for food.
• Proven success as a team member; demonstrated ability to work well with diverse groups of people.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills required.
• Demonstrates an interest in learning; possesses a strong interest in food and related products.

• Proven ability to interact and perform all job responsibilities with professionalism and confidentiality.

• Proven ability to meet attendance requirements, dependable.

• Able to lift and carry unassisted 50 pounds with frequency; able to lift and carry unassisted 70 pounds occasionally.

Additional Performance Factors (include, but are not limited to the following):

• Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to work as scheduled and is seldom absent from work. The employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner, and is conscientious about work assignments and deadlines.

• Communication: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the Company.

• Work Relationships: The employee works effectively and relates well with others, including supervisors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the Company. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to build and maintain constructive working relationships. The employee accepts and applies constructive feedback in a professional and effective manner that enhances performance and resolves performance deficiencies.

_____________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________

Employee Name (Print) Signature Date

____________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________

Supervisor Name (Print) Signature Date

Metropolitan Market

Position Description Physical Requirements: Meat Cutter

Standing/Walking: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station or moving about the work area.

Carrying: Moving an object, usually by holding it in hands or arms, or on shoulder.