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Meat Helper Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Meat Manager

River Forest, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us ... The Meat Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the Meat Department including staff ...

Meat Clerk

Fairview Heights, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us ... The Meat & Seafood Clerk is responsible for keeping all store meat cases stocked and clean during ...

Meat Manager

River Forest, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us ... The Meat Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the Meat Department including staff ...

Meat Clerk

Fairview Heights, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us ... The Meat & Seafood Clerk is responsible for keeping all store meat cases stocked and clean during ...

Meat Cutter

Glenview, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Zion, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Evanston, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Westmont, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Fox River Grove, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Darien, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Oswego, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$15.40 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Palos Heights, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Sugar Grove, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Clarendon Hills, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

Meat Cutter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Meat Cutter, you will be on the cutting edge with our beef, poultry, and other meat products ... · Helping customers and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do ...

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Meat Helper information

What is a meat helper?

Meat helpers are entry-level workers in grocery stores, butcher shops, or meat departments who assist with the preparation, packaging, and display of meat products. Their tasks can include weighing and wrapping meat, stocking shelves, cleaning work areas, and helping customers with basic questions. They support butchers and meat cutters, but typically do not perform advanced cutting or processing. This role is ideal for those looking to learn about the meat industry and gain experience in food handling and safety.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges of a meat helper in a grocery store?

As a Meat Helper, your typical responsibilities include assisting butchers with cutting, preparing, and packaging meat products, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of work areas, and restocking displays. One of the main challenges is adhering to strict food safety and hygiene standards while working efficiently during busy periods. Collaboration with team members is essential, as you'll often coordinate with butchers and store staff to ensure products are fresh and displays are appealing to customers. Over time, this role can help you build valuable skills in food handling and customer service, which can open up opportunities for advancement within the meat department or broader retail operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a meat helper?

To thrive as a Meat Helper, you need basic knowledge of meat products, food safety, and proper handling techniques, often acquired through on-the-job training or previous experience in food retail. Familiarity with meat cutting tools, weighing scales, and safety equipment is commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for maintaining product quality, ensuring food safety, and delivering a positive customer experience in a retail environment.

What is the difference between Meat Helper vs Butcher?

AspectMeat HelperButcher
CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job trainingFood safety certifications, knife skills training
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, grocery storesButcher shops, meat departments in stores
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with meat prep, packaging, cleaningCutting, trimming, and preparing meat products

Meat Helpers assist with basic tasks like packaging and cleaning, often requiring minimal certifications. Butchers perform more skilled tasks such as cutting and trimming meat, often needing specific training or certifications. Both roles are essential in meat processing and retail environments, but butchers typically have more advanced skills and responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Meat jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Meat Helper jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Meat Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Helper job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Meat Manager

Fresh Thyme

River Forest, IL • On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


Fresh Thyme rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 123 rated grocery stores


Job description

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment, that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we'd like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team!
Fresh Thyme Rewards
  • Weekly pay
  • Scheduling flexibility
  • Paid parental leave
  • Team member discount
  • Career growth opportunities

Are you passionate about the retail grocery market and organic products? Are you a leader? Are you ready to join one of the fastest growing companies in the retail grocery market? If so, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is the place for you! Our unique business model, fast paced and growing environment, promote from within culture, and excellent benefits make Fresh Thyme the best employer in the grocery market. Careers have been blooming at Fresh Thyme since our inception in 2012 - yours should be no different!
The Meat Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the Meat Department including staff, sales, margin, and labor. They are required to assist customers as needed and maintain a friendly, energetic demeanor. This position requires adhering to all procedural guidelines set by the Meat Department.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Prepares the weekly sales and labor projections for the meat department in order to maximize sales and profits; ensures department operations are within the labor percentage allowed.
• Monitors and controls all costs and expenses within the department; includes maintaining proper ordering, inventory control, cutting procedures, shrink, and ad displays.
• Manages the Meat Department staff including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and initiating required performance reviews; ensures staff is trained on all policies and procedures.
• Oversees shift operations for department including writing, and/or approving work schedules.
• Ensures weekly flyer ads are in stock and ready for sale during business hours and that product for upcoming ads are ordered, in stock, and available for processing.
• Stocks meat cases; includes presentation of product, facing, filling, and organization of all product items as set by the Meat Department schematics as well as ensuring tag and pricing accuracy.
• Ensures cleanliness of meat aisles, storage area, and work area for safety; includes cleaning of shelves and products, keeping floors free of liquid spills or water, removing hazardous debris from floor and sweeping.
• Responds positively to customer's inquiries and assists customers with purchases, information and product selection while working the meat counter; requires selling and cross selling of products.
• Receives, inspects, and logs products for accuracy of shipment, temperature, and quality.
• Requires operating and using equipment such as knives, scales, wrappers, compactors, garbage disposals, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
• Monitors the rotation of all meat products paying particular attention to expired stock and discarding outdated or spoiled items.
• Balances the meat general ledger and financial statements.
• Manages and is responsible for all inventory preparation and control; includes back stock, assuring tags match products, ensuring no out of stocks and accurate accounting for all products.
• Uses knowledge of scales, weight measures, and tares to accurately weigh and label meat products; includes packaging and wrapping product and following the proper dating procedures.
• Monitors that proper temperatures are being maintained at all stages during the production of meat and seafood items.
• Maintains proper safety practices and care while using all the cutting accessories available in the meat department; complies with the use of mesh gloves while using a knife.
• Sustains a high level of product knowledge and product preparation.
• Walks department regularly to ensure an organized, sanitary, and overall clean appearance at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
• High school diploma or equivalency degree.
• Must have a minimum of 4 years professional experience.
• Preferred 3-5 years grocery retail experience in Meat department processes and procedures.
• Previous experience in a natural foods industry is a plus.
• Journeyman cutter program completed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Must maintain the highest level of customer service at all times.
• Ability to adapt to the ever changing high volume retail while working in a cross-functional team environment.
• Must have the capacity to take initiative when problems arise.
• Flexibility to adapt in a variety of situations.
• Must have advanced attention to detail with the capability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written communication and documentation skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for dealing cross functionally with peers and senior management.
• Must have knowledge with MS Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to multitask and have excellent organizational skills is essential.
• Must be able to lead support and contribute to team goals.
• Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates.
• Must be familiar with Health Department guidelines and regulations as they pertain to a grocery retail environment.
• Must have advanced knowledge of math, weights, and measures.
• Demonstrate ability to analyze and interpret Company financial statements and results.
• Must have skills working with knives, tenderizers, grinders, and general meat machinery.
• Must have expert packaging and wrapping skills.
• Ability to cut and weigh various amounts of meat and seafood.
• Understands COOL compliance for seafood products; what country the various products are coming from.
Job Function Analysis
Physical Demands
• Sit Rarely 1-2 hours
• Stand Continuously 1-8 hours
• Walk Continuously 2-8 hours
• Drive Frequently 2-4 hours
• Balance Frequently 34-66%
• Bend Occasionally 1-33%
• Climb (2-6 ft) Occasionally 1-33%
• Crawl Occasionally 1-33%
• Crouch/Squat Occasionally 1-33%
• Kneel Occasionally 1-33%
• Reach (forward & overhead) Frequently 34-66%
• Twist (45 degrees at waist) Occasionally 1-33%
Lifting/Carrying
• 0-10 lbs. Occasionally 1-33%
• 11-25 lbs. Occasionally 1-33%
• 26-50 lbs. Occasionally 1-33%
• 51-100 lbs. Never 0%
Repetitive Motion
Right & Left Grasping Frequently 34-66%
Fine Manipulation Occasionally 1-33%
Pushing and Pulling Occasionally 1-33%
Lower extremities Never 0%
Environmental Conditions:
Some extreme temperatures are possible. Some ventilation and exhaust fans.
At Fresh Thyme, our team members Thrive. We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, and recognition programs that allows our most successful team members to be rewarded for their passion, dedication, and the results they consistently drive. Therefore, we are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects market standards and ensures consistency within our organization.
The pay range for this position is listed below. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location.
$20.50 - $30.05
This pay range represents the minimum and maximum base pay for the position, which is determined by factors such as market data, the qualifications required, the level of responsibilities associated with the role and other roles at this same level. Specific pay rates will be within this range and based on your experience, qualifications, and skills compared to the internal team of this role.
Compensation for this position also includes incentive bonus opportunities that may vary based on individual and company performance. Specific details will be discussed during the hiring process.
Our team members Thrive because we are committed to the whole person. Not only do we offer a comprehensive benefits package for our full-time team members that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, but we also offer a variety of programs designed to support our part-time members as well. ALL Fresh Thyme team members enjoy paid parental leave, our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, and our 401(k) plan with an employer match. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that promotes work-life balance, long-term health and financial security, and continuous professional development. Come Thrive with us!

What Fresh Thyme employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Fresh Thyme logo

About Fresh Thyme

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We have a simple mission at Fresh Thyme: to improve the way our communities eat by offering fresh and healthy food at amazing values. Our food doesn't only look, smell and taste good, but it's good for you, too. Get all of the nutrients you need and all the flavors you crave while supporting trusted partners, brands and farmers. Shop confidently and let your appetite guide the way knowing that every item in our store has been hand-selected with care. We pride ourselves on offering an assortment of healthy options backed by our commitment to quality. To us, more variety means a more complete basket, more ways of making meals and more ways to support our communities.In our store, you’ll find a large assortment of all-natural and organic foods, alongside trusted national brands and local favorites - all at everyday low prices.

Industry

Retail

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Downers Grove, IL, US

Year founded

2012