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Meats Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Meat Associate

Lake Bluff, IL · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate ... Acquire and share knowledge of Meat Department such as sourcing and culinary tips. * Responsible ...

Meat Associate

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate ... Acquire and share knowledge of Meat Department such as sourcing and culinary tips. * Responsible ...

Meat Associate

Barrington, IL · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate ... Acquire and share knowledge of Meat Department such as sourcing and culinary tips. * Responsible ...

Meat Wrapper - Winfield

Winfield, IN · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Grind meat; wrap of all cut products; stock & rotate lunch meat/chicken products; pulling out-of ... Our associates are passionate about providing excellent customer experiences and helping our ...

Meat Wrapper - Highland

Highland, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Grind meat; wrap of all cut products; stock & rotate lunch meat/chicken products; pulling out-of ... Our associates are passionate about providing excellent customer experiences and helping our ...

Meat Wrapper - Munster

Munster, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Grind meat; wrap of all cut products; stock & rotate lunch meat/chicken products; pulling out-of ... Our associates are passionate about providing excellent customer experiences and helping our ...

Meat Wrapper - St. John

Saint John, IN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Grind meat; wrap of all cut products; stock & rotate lunch meat/chicken products; pulling out-of ... Our associates are passionate about providing excellent customer experiences and helping our ...

Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service ... Meat experience Minimum Position Qualifications: * 18 years of age * Effective communication skills

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Meat Wrapper - Hobart Route 6

Hobart, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Grind meat; wrap of all cut products; stock & rotate lunch meat/chicken products; pulling out-of ... Our associates are passionate about providing excellent customer experiences and helping our ...

Able to tactfully and calmly handle stressful situations and make a positive impression on associates and customers. Desired * Meat work experience or similar experience in food preparation. * Past ...

Meat Wrapper - Hobart Old Ridge

Hobart, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

Grind meat; wrap of all cut products; stock & rotate lunch meat/chicken products; pulling out-of ... Our associates are passionate about providing excellent customer experiences and helping our ...

Meat Cutter - Munster

Munster, IN · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Inspects meat products for freshness * Faces merchandise in the department * Operates meat slicer ... Our associates are passionate about providing excellent customer experiences and helping our ...

Meat Cutter

Glenview, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

To be successful in this position, you need to be passionate about meats and the success of the ... and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

Meat Cutter

Evanston, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

To be successful in this position, you need to be passionate about meats and the success of the ... and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

Meat Cutter

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$15.40 - $25.75/hr

To be successful in this position, you need to be passionate about meats and the success of the ... and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

Meat Cutter

Bartlett, IL

$16.75 - $25.75/hr

To be successful in this position, you need to be passionate about meats and the success of the ... and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

Meat Cutter

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $25.75/hr

To be successful in this position, you need to be passionate about meats and the success of the ... and fellow associates gives you energy · You take pride in the work you do, with every detail ...

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Meats Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do meats associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for meats associate in Chicago, IL is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Meats Associate vs Butcher?

AspectMeats AssociateButcher
CertificationsBasic food handling and safety certificationsAdditional butchery and knife skills certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupermarket or retail store settingButcher shops, meat processing facilities, or specialty stores
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, stocking meat, basic meat preparationMeat cutting, custom orders, detailed meat preparation

While both roles involve working with meat, a Meats Associate typically assists customers and stocks meat in retail environments, requiring basic food safety certifications. A Butcher performs more specialized tasks like meat cutting and custom preparation, often needing advanced butchery skills and certifications. The roles overlap in industry and environment but differ in skill level and responsibilities.

What is a meats associate?

Meats Associates are retail or grocery store employees who specialize in handling, preparing, and displaying meat products for customers. Their duties typically include cutting, weighing, packaging, and labeling various types of meat, ensuring products meet safety and quality standards. They may also assist customers with selecting cuts of meat and answer questions about preparation or cooking. Meats Associates help maintain cleanliness and organization in the meat department, and follow strict food safety procedures. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of meat products, and strong customer service skills.

What are some common challenges faced by meats associates, and how can they be successfully managed?

Meats Associates often face challenges such as maintaining strict food safety standards, handling heavy products, and working in cold environments for extended periods. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail when cutting, packaging, and labeling products, as well as effective communication with team members to ensure proper inventory and customer satisfaction. Regularly following hygiene protocols and using personal protective equipment can help manage these challenges, while ongoing training supports skill development and confidence in daily tasks.

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

To thrive as a Meats Associate, you need a solid understanding of meat preparation, food safety, and basic butchering techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or food handling certification. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, scales, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, customer service skills, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team help someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure product quality, safety, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced retail environment.

Meat Associate

Heinen's Grocery Store

Lake Bluff, IL • On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Heinen's rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 122 rated grocery stores


Job description

*Opportunity for promotion*

Company Overview:

Founded in 1929, Heinen’s is a premier grocery store chain noted for its quality products and outstanding customer service. Heinen’s has now welcomed the fourth generation of owners into the company, which operates 23 stores (19 in Cleveland, Ohio and 4 in Chicago, Illinois), two distribution warehouses, one food production plant, and a corporate office (all located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio). Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate within the organization. We offer this through a competitive compensation package, professional development and leadership opportunities, paid time off, and balanced work schedules.

Retail Professional – Heinen’s Diamond Difference Standards:

As an associate of Heinen’s there are key components to learn, implement and master. Each of these are integral to the Heinen’s Brand and to your success. These are simple behaviors that help distinguish us as the premier supermarket in Northeast Ohio and Chicago.

Professional Appearance - Ensure you present yourself, your team, your products, and your department in support of our Brand.

Acknowledge - Acknowledge customers with a smile and eye contact.

Evaluate - Develop the habit of evaluating store conditions on a continuous basis using our 5-Step QCSSS (Quality, Cleanliness, Stock Levels, Signage, and Serviceable) for excellence.

Thank - Thank each other for a job well done to reinforce positive behaviors and attitudes to support your team.

Engage - Engage customers when appropriate.

Responsibilities:

  • Prioritize daily work based on varying business needs.
  • Monitor and maintain all food handling and temperature standards.
  • Acquire and share knowledge of Meat Department such as sourcing and culinary tips.
  • Responsible for writing orders using effective pars and planning.
  • Responsible for working as a team in order to complete daily tasks as needed, including scanning and recording shrink, order writing, raw production, incidental cutting, stocking, rotating, and merchandising.
  • Comply with all personal and food safety company standards.
  • Attend required corporate meetings and training classes.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comply with all company policies and standards.
  • Possess a sense of urgency and the ability to work independently to achieve daily tasks.
  • Possess the ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Be production driven with the ability to work continuously on repetitive tasks, while standing.
  • Possess the ability to frequent lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be willing to work the number of hours required to meet company objectives, with the understanding that occasionally business needs will require additional time.
  • Must be willing to work the non-traditional five-day work schedule, including Saturday, Sunday, and evenings.
  • Occasionally exposed to extreme conditions, hot or cold.

Illinois Benefits Information

  1. Retirement Plan
    • Company-sponsored 401k plan for eligible full-time and part-time associates. 5% company match.
  2. Healthcare Benefits
    • Medical and Pharmacy coverage for full-time associates.
    • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account options, as well as Commuter Benefit options.
    • Company-provided Dental and Vision coverage for full-time and part-time associates.
  3. Paid Time Off
    • Paid Time Off, including paid sick time.
  4. Insurance
    • Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance.
  5. Work-Life Balance
    • Flexible schedules.
    • Biweekly scheduling for better work predictability.
    • Closed on 7 major holidays.
  6. Growth and Development
    • Daily professional development and growth opportunities, including leadership development for all associates.
  7. Wellbeing
    • Company-provided associate assistance program.
    • Family, Parental and Personal Leave options.
  8. Discounts
    • 20% discount on Heinen's products.


Heinen’s, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


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