Retail Blockman (Butchery)

On Line Personnel; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

On Line Personnel is seeking a skilled Blockman in Gqeberha to process, portion and prepare meat products while upholding high hygiene standards. The role requires strong knife skills, stamina, and experience with commercial bandsaws and heavy equipment.

Applicants should have proven Blockman or Meat Cutter experience in retail or commercial butchery, deep knowledge of meat cuts and cold chain practices, and fluency in English for clear communication. Weekend and holiday shifts are included.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Blockman or Meat Cutter in retail or commercial butchery.
• Advanced knife handling and deboning techniques.
• Experience operating bandsaws and heavy-duty machinery.
• Knowledge of meat cuts, yields, cold chain management, and safety protocols.
• Fluent in English with good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate commercial saws to cut bone-in meats safely and efficiently.
• Debone, trim, and cut carcasses into retail cuts.
• Prepare specialized cuts, mince, and sausages using commercial equipment.
• Ensure maximum yield and minimize wastage during cutting and sawing.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and work areas.

Skills

Blockman experience

Meat Cutter experience

Band saw operation

Knife handling

Food safety awareness

English communication

Tools

Bandsaws

Heavy-duty machinery

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Blockman to join a butchery team in Gqeberha. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing, portioning, and preparing high-quality meat products while maintaining strict hygiene standards.

This role requires excellent knife skills, physical stamina, and extensive experience operating commercial butchery machinery and saws

Work Hours: Standard retail hours on a flexible shift basis (including weekends and public holidays).

Salary: R50 per hour.

Requirements:

• Experience: Proven experience as a Blockman or Meat Cutter within a retail supermarket or commercial butchery environment
• Technical Skills: Advanced competence in operating commercial bandsaws and other heavy-duty butchery machinery. Advanced knife handling and de-boning techniques are essential
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of meat cuts, carcass yields, cold chain management, and machinery safety protocols
• Attributes: Strong physical stamina (ability to lift heavy carcasses and stand for long periods), attention to detail, and a strict commitment to safety
• Communication: Fluent in English with good communication skills

Key Performance Areas:

• Meat Processing and Machinery Operation
  • Expertly operate commercial saws, including bandsaws, to cut bone-in meats, frozen products, and primal cuts safely and efficiently.
  • De-bone, trim, and cut carcasses and large meat primals into retail cuts (beef, pork, lamb, and poultry).
  • Prepare specialized cuts, mince, sausages, and quick-meal meat products using commercial mincers and fillers.
  • Ensure maximum yield and minimal wastage during the cutting and sawing process.
• Equipment Care and Food Safety
  • Maintain, clean, and sterilize all commercial saws, bandsaw blades, cutting tools, and machinery continuously throughout the shift.
  • Adhere strictly to occupational health and safety (OHSA) guidelines, ensuring all machine safety guards are used correctly at all times.
  • Maintain strict cleanliness and sanitation standards in the cold rooms, processing areas, and display counters (HACCP principles).
• Stock, Display and Customer Service
  • Inspect incoming meat deliveries for freshness, quality, and correct temperature.
  • Merchandise and replenish meat counters and self-service fridges with eye-catching, well-wrapped displays.
  • Provide friendly, knowledgeable service to customers requesting specific cuts or cooking advice.