Meat Department Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Festival, people are at the top of our list. Youll see it in everything from our daily interactions to how we treat our guests even in our extensive associate benefits and programs.

Job Title: Meat Department Manager

Reports To: Senior Fresh Manager

Do you have a passion for meat, seafood, grilling, and creating exceptional guest experiences? Have you ever worked as a butcher or meat cutter, and have hands-on experience in meat and seafood preparation? Bring your expertise and leadership to Festival Foods!

As a Meat Department Manager, you’ll lead a team of skilled associates who showcase our high-quality meat and seafood selections. Your team will provide thoughtful guidance, from recommending the perfect cut to helping guests select fresh seafood, all while delivering an enjoyable shopping experience.

As a Meat Department Manager at Festival Foods, you will: 

• Lead and develop your team: Coach, mentor, and support Meat associates, including assistant managers, butchers, clerks, and meat cutters, while reinforcing Festival culture, guest service standards, and performance expectations. Conduct performance reviews and provide guidance to help your team succeed.
• Recruit and onboard associates: Partner with Human Resources to review and interview candidates, extend job offers, and ensure all new associates receive thorough and consistent training.
• Plan and manage schedules: Approve weekly schedules and maintain adequate staffing levels to meet department needs while managing labor and operational goals.
• Support associate growth: Mentor Assistant Managers and Department Leads, including aspiring butchers and meat cutters, to prepare them for advancement opportunities.
• Oversee department operations: Manage all aspects of the Meat Department, including inventory, pricing accuracy, product rotation, and merchandising. Ensure steaks, seafood, and other meats are fresh, appealing, and ready for guests.
• Ensure merchandising and department standards: Observe sales floor and back stock conditions, correct issues, and ensure attractive, organized displays that highlight meat and seafood selections. Implement and maintain new store or department standards and policies.
• Deliver exceptional guest service: Assist guests with selecting meat or seafood, fulfill special orders, answer questions, and provide tips on cooking or pairing, just like a skilled butcher would. Resolve concerns with professionalism and care.
• Communicate effectively: Conduct “Huddle Ups” to share department updates, company news, and wins. Collaborate with the Store Director, Meat Director, Sr. Meat Director, and other Department Managers to maintain standards and exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain timekeeping and compliance: Ensure accurate time records, monitor schedules, and communicate any payroll or scheduling issues to HR.
• Maintain food safety and cleanliness: Track and verify department food safety logs, lead by example in keeping work areas, shelving, and sales floor clean, and ensure compliance with all safety policies.
• Honor commitments: Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Support the team: Assist the team where needed and perform other duties as assigned to ensure smooth department operations.

What You'll Bring: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

To excel as a Meat Department Manager at Festival Foods, you'll bring:

• Education & Experience:
  • High School Education or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5+ of leadership experience (at least 2 years as manager) - retail or restaurant preferred.

  • Experience as a butcher, meat cutter, or seafood handler is a plus.

  • WI Certified Food Manager License (Festival reimburses associates who obtain certification while employed).

• Skills & Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of retail food business, meat and seafood operations, and merchandising best practices.

  • Ability to make timely, effective decisions and handle diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.

  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

  • Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with guests and associates.
• Safety Mindset:
  • Thorough understanding of all safety requirements and company safety policies.
  • Must possess the ability to apply on-the-job safety training to recognize and react to possible safety hazards on store premises.
  • Also requires proper training and knowledge of the following equipment/procedures: hand jack, baler, forklift, proper lifting techniques, proper scanning techniques, hand truck, trash compactor.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The employee must possess the ability to stand in place for a long period of time; walk the store; bend, stoop, and kneel regularly. Requires fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination in order to operate equipment.
• This position requires the employee have the ability to have full rand of upper body motion in order to occasionally lift stock. Requires the ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods of time. 
• Must possess functional sensory abilities in order to visually monitor the store, create attractive displays, and to operate equipment.
• This position requires the employee to lift up to 80 pounds on an occasional basis.
• May be exposed to varying temperatures such as refrigerators, freezers, kitchens, and sales floor.

Work Schedule

The Meat Department Manager is a full-time position. The work schedule will include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ready to lead our Meat Department team, guide skilled butchers and meat cutters, and deliver fresh seafood and premium meats to every guest? Apply now to bring your expertise and leadership to Festival Foods!