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Meat Department Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Mariano's

STR MGMT/MEAT DEPT LEADER

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Plan, organize, train and direct Meat department associates; perform production and customer service functions; maximize store sales and profits. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect ...

Mariano's

STR MGMT/MEAT DEPT LEADER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Plan, organize, train and direct Meat department associates; perform production and customer service functions; maximize store sales and profits. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect ...

Mariano's

MEAT/JOURNEYMAN

Bannockburn, IL · On-site

Train and follow up with Meat Department associates on temperature logs to guarantee accurately recorded temperatures. * Be personable, neat, and cheerful. * May operate light power equipment. * Be ...

New

Mariano's

MEAT/JOURNEYMAN

Naperville, IL · On-site

Train and follow up with Meat Department associates on temperature logs to guarantee accurately recorded temperatures. * Be personable, neat, and cheerful. * May operate light power equipment. * Be ...

Mariano's

MEAT/JOURNEYMAN

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

Train and follow up with Meat Department associates on temperature logs to guarantee accurately recorded temperatures. * Be personable, neat, and cheerful. * May operate light power equipment. * Be ...

Mariano's

MEAT/JOURNEYMAN

Shorewood, IL

Train and follow up with Meat Department associates on temperature logs to guarantee accurately recorded temperatures. * Be personable, neat, and cheerful. * May operate light power equipment. * Be ...

Mariano's

MEAT/JOURNEYMAN

Lake Zurich, IL

Train and follow up with Meat Department associates on temperature logs to guarantee accurately recorded temperatures. * Be personable, neat, and cheerful. * May operate light power equipment. * Be ...

Mariano's

MEAT/LEAD CLERK

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

Promote trust and respect among associates. * Communicate Company, department, and job specific ... Demonstrate "Journeyman" Meat Cutter Skills and cut to customers' requests using proper cutting ...

Food 4 Less

MEAT/MEAT CUTTER

Dolton, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Perform general product preparation, clean-up and stock work in the Meat department and provide ... Provide good customer and associate relations. * Communicate effectively with customers and fellow ...

Mariano's

MEAT/LEAD CLERK

Elmhurst, IL

$14 - $17.25/hr

Promote trust and respect among associates. * Communicate Company, department, and job specific ... Demonstrate "Journeyman" Meat Cutter Skills and cut to customers' requests using proper cutting ...

Mariano's

MEAT/LEAD CLERK

Shorewood, IL

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Promote trust and respect among associates. * Communicate Company, department, and job specific ... Demonstrate "Journeyman" Meat Cutter Skills and cut to customers' requests using proper cutting ...

Mariano's

MEAT/LEAD CLERK

Western Springs, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Promote trust and respect among associates. * Communicate Company, department, and job specific ... Demonstrate "Journeyman" Meat Cutter Skills and cut to customers' requests using proper cutting ...

Niemann Foods

Niemanns Meat Clerk

Champaign, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Department sales growth with suggestive sales * Maintains NFI sanitation and refrigeration ... Associates may be required to use standard meat equipment including, but not limited to, * Knives

County Market

County Market Meat Clerk

Chatham, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Department sales growth with suggestive sales * Maintains NFI Sanitation and refrigeration ... Associates may be required to use standard meat equipment including, but not limited to, * Knives

Niemann Foods

County Market Meat Clerk

Chatham, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Department sales growth with suggestive sales * Maintains NFI Sanitation and refrigeration ... Associates may be required to use standard meat equipment including, but not limited to, * Knives

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Meat Department Associate information

What is a meat department associate?

Meat Department Associates are retail workers responsible for assisting customers, preparing, packaging, and stocking meat products, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the meat department. They ensure that all meat items are fresh, properly labeled, and displayed attractively. Their duties often include weighing, cutting, and wrapping meat, as well as answering customer questions about different cuts and cooking methods. Meat Department Associates must follow strict safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure quality and prevent contamination.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat department associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Department Associate, you need knowledge of meat cuts, food safety standards, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with meat slicers, grinders, scales, and point-of-sale (POS) systems is typically required. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe handling of products, customer satisfaction, and efficient department operations.

What are some common challenges faced by meat department associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Meat Department Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict food safety standards, managing high customer demand during peak hours, and handling heavy inventory. Staying organized and following established protocols is essential for ensuring product freshness and safety. Effective communication with team members helps distribute tasks efficiently, and regular training can enhance both customer service and technical skills. Proactively addressing these challenges ensures a smooth workflow and contributes to a positive shopping experience.

What is the difference between Meat Department Associate vs Butcher?

AspectMeat Department AssociateButcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredHigh school diploma; specialized butchery training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentSupermarket or grocery store meat departmentButcher shops, meat processing plants, or grocery stores
Job DutiesAssisting customers, stocking, slicing meat, maintaining cleanlinessCutting, trimming, and preparing meat cuts, often with more advanced skills
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail grocery settingsUsed in specialized butchery or meat processing contexts

The main difference between a Meat Department Associate and a Butcher lies in their responsibilities and skill levels. While both work in meat retail environments, Butchers typically have advanced cutting skills and specialized training, whereas Meat Department Associates focus on customer service, stocking, and basic meat preparation.

Is working in the meat department hard?

Working as a Meat Department Associate can be physically demanding, involving lifting heavy items, standing for long periods, and handling sharp tools. It requires attention to safety, proper food handling, and sometimes working early mornings or weekends, but it is generally manageable with proper training and experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat Department jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Meat Department jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Meat Department Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Meat Department Associate job openings:

Meat Department Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Meat Department Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Meat Department Manager

Pete's Fresh Market

Oak Park, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Pete's Fresh Market rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Title
Department Manager
Pay Grade
Non-Exempt
Major Department
Meat/Seafood
Minor Department
Meat
Reports to
General Manager
Job Summary: The Meat Department Managers are responsible for managing department inventory, in-stock levels, pricing integrity, merchandising, labor, and other operational processes to company standards. They must follow the company sales and production planning standards. They will plan, order, prepare cutting lists, and process meat according to the production tools and standards to maximize sales and gross profit. Meat Managers will ensure all new department associates receive proper training and supervision and will ensure correct ordering, receiving, unloading, storage, and rotation of merchandise and displays. Meat Managers will also ensure a high level of customer engagement and satisfaction at all times by answering customer questions regarding services and products offered. As a PFM team member is able to exemplify Pete's Four Pillars of Value, Aesthetic, Quality, and Customer Service.
Essential Job Requirements
  • Directs and manages all functions and activities of the Meat/Seafood Department. Helps to manage labor costs and reduce losses due to shrink, damage and pilferage.
  • Responsible for the training and development of all Meat Cutters and Meat/Seafood Clerks.
  • Handling and cutting a variety of the department's specialty meats and seafood throughout the day per customer requests and to maintain quality product levels all while ensuring outstanding customer service at the counter.
  • Demonstrate the ability to be organized, to work independently and with the team to provide the highest quality shopping experience, all while maintaining the overall appearance of the department; ensuring cases are well-merchandised and properly signed to ensure the highest quality products and supplies are available to complete tasks efficiently. Follow approved procedures for receiving, weighing, and breaking down meat and seafood products.
  • Managing the inventory and ordering; enforces and follows department practices regarding the receiving, stocking and unloading of product to ensure freshness and quality. Unloading and breaking down deliveries as needed; stocking cases and coolers with products; Maintain proper product assortment, merchandising and product quality on the sales floor and following rotation standards when filling items are running below acceptable levels.
  • Physically making meat and seafood items according to TFM written recipes and processes for preparing, assembling, and mixing fresh ingredients. Preparation includes a variety of steps that may include: marinating, seasoning, cutting, chopping, slicing, and mixing meats, produce, and other food products together as indicated within TFM recipes.
  • Monitors temperature of cases, shelves and storage areas and reports any failures to the Store Manager. Follows maintenance and sanitation procedures established by TFM for coolers and freezers; reports problems to Store Manager.
  • Quality and safety duties include receiving, inspecting and storing products to ensure quality, following proper cleaning and sanitation procedures, operating equipment in a safe and focused manner while tracking date and rotation of products and completing any necessary reports. Prep area cleaning includes taking apart, washing, rinsing, and sanitizing all equipment, prep-tables, pans, and utensils, and washing floors, walls, coolers, and storage racks. Adhere to all local, state, and federal health and civil code regulations.
  • Observe all store rules and Company policies, shift operating hours at all times as scheduled or assigned by Store Manager. Must wear approved hat or hair net, beard guard, non-slip shoes and cutting glove.
  • Maintains knowledge of weekly ad items; gives customers direction of product location throughout the store.
  • Maintains excellent communication within the department, Assistant Managers and Store Manager at all times.
  • Directly participates in on-the-job training efforts in the department.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Certifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalency with at least 3-4 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of department functions.
  • Proficient computer and math skills.
  • Possesses a current Food Handler Certificate or able to obtain upon employment.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Must be capable of providing and modeling exceptional customer service.
  • Must have excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively with customers, store leadership, and fellow-team members.
  • Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently or in groups.

Work Environment/ Physical Demands
  • Must have the physical ability to stand for extended periods of time, bend, climb, balance, stoop to grasp objects, kneel, crouch, crawl, frequently push/pull up to 100 lbs., frequently lift and/or move loads up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift 75 lbs.
  • Ability to enter the coolers and freezers thereby being subjected to and withstanding frequent temperature changes for extended periods of time.
  • Occasional high stress when dealing with systems/customers/staff.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule with various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as determined by the store/business needs and as required to ensure adequate store staffing.
  • Must have reliable source of transportation.
  • The ability to be reached during/after work hours.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Benefits
-Health Insurance Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision)
-401K with employer match
-Supplemental Insurance Plans (Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
-Paid Vacation
-Paid Lunch Break
-Direct Deposit
-Employee Lunch Program and more!
Starting hourly rates will be no less than the local minimum wage and will vary based on things like location, experience, and qualifications. All positions are eligible for Overtime, and some positions will have guaranteed Overtime available.
Hourly rate for Suburban Stores is $15-$20
Hourly rate for City of Chicago Stores is $17.05-$20

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