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Primal Cuts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Team Member

Greeley, CO · On-site

$18.12 - $21/hr

... sub-primal cuts of beef, pork or chicken to specifications or preset weights. * Cuts or trims proteins to specifications (weight, thickness, length, height, cut style, shape) using a knife or ...

... sub-primal cuts of beef, pork or chicken to specifications or preset weights. * Cuts or trims proteins to specifications (weight, thickness, length, height, cut style, shape) using a knife or ...

Butcher

Miami, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Prepares primal cuts and large cuts into forms ready for cooking using a variety of actions, including boning, tying, grinding, cutting, and trimming. * Rotates products to reduce the chance of any ...

Butcher

Miami, FL

$15.75 - $21/hr

Prepares primal cuts and large cuts into forms ready for cooking using a variety of actions, including boning, tying, grinding, cutting, and trimming. * Rotates products to reduce the chance of any ...

Procurement Manager

Troy, NY · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

This role ensures a consistent, cost- * effective, and high-quality supply of raw materials (livestock, primal cuts, ingredients), * packaging, and indirect goods while maintaining compliance with ...

Butcher

Miami, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Prepares primal cuts and large cuts into forms ready for cooking using a variety of actions, including boning, tying, grinding, cutting, and trimming. * Rotates products to reduce the chance of any ...

Butcher (550 Madison)

New York, NY · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Prepares primal cuts and large cuts into forms ready for cooking using a variety of actions, including boning, tying, grinding, cutting, and trimming. * Rotates products to reduce the chance of any ...

Meat Cutter

Pewaukee, WI · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

At least 1 year of hands-on experience cutting whole-muscle or primal cuts of meat in a retail meat department, butcher shop, or professional kitchen. Experience limited to slicing deli meats ...

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Primal Cuts information

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$9

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How much do primal cuts jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for primal cuts in the United States is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Primal Cuts Butcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Primal Cuts Butcher, you need strong knife skills, knowledge of meat anatomy, and experience in safe meat handling, typically gained through vocational training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with meat processing equipment, band saws, and compliance with food safety certifications such as HACCP is essential. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and customer service excellence are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality meat preparation that meets both customer and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Primal Cuts vs Butcher?

AspectPrimal CutsButcher
CredentialsMeat cutting certifications, culinary knowledgeMeat cutting certifications, practical skills
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, butcher shops, kitchensButcher shops, supermarkets, meat processing facilities
Industry UsageUsed in meat preparation, culinary, butcheryHands-on meat cutting, retail sales
Search & ComparisonOften compared for skills and job rolesRelated but focuses on individual meat cuts

Primal Cuts refer to large sections of meat from an animal, which are then broken down into smaller cuts. Butchers specialize in cutting, trimming, and preparing these primal cuts for sale or cooking. While primal cuts are about the meat's large sections, butchers focus on the skillful division and preparation of these sections for retail or culinary use.

What are primal cuts?

Primal cuts are the large sections of meat initially separated from the carcass of an animal during butchering. These primary divisions are the starting point for further breakdown into subprimal and retail cuts found in stores and restaurants. Examples of primal cuts in beef include the chuck, rib, loin, and round. Understanding primal cuts is important for butchers, chefs, and anyone interested in meat preparation, as it affects the tenderness, flavor, and cooking methods suitable for each cut.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals specializing in primal cuts, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with primal cuts often face challenges such as maintaining precision while breaking down carcasses, adhering to strict food safety standards, and managing physically demanding tasks. To overcome these, it's important to develop strong knife skills, stay updated on safe handling procedures, and use proper ergonomic techniques to reduce fatigue. Collaboration with team members, such as butchers and meat processors, is crucial for ensuring efficiency and consistency in portioning while meeting production deadlines.
More about Primal Cuts jobs
What cities are hiring for Primal Cuts jobs? Cities with the most Primal Cuts job openings:
What states have the most Primal Cuts jobs? States with the most job openings for Primal Cuts jobs include:
Infographic showing various Primal Cuts job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 74% Contract, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,201 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Director of Procurement - Meat Manufacturing

Cesna Recruitment

Troy, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with production demands, cost targets, and company growth objectives.

  • Source and negotiate contracts for meat products, ingredients, packaging, and indirect supplies.

  • Oversee inventory planning in coordination with operations to balance freshness, yield, and waste reduction.


Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Procurement is responsible for leading all sourcing, purchasing, and supplier

management functions for a meat manufacturing operation. This role ensures a consistent, cost-

effective, and high-quality supply of raw materials (primal cuts, ingredients), packaging, and

indirect goods while maintaining compliance with food safety, regulatory, and animal welfare

standards. The Director will drive strategic sourcing initiatives, optimize vendor relationships,

and support operational efficiency across production, warehousing, and distribution.

Key Responsibilities

•Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with production demands, cost

targets, and company growth objectives

•Source and negotiate contracts for meat products, ingredients, packaging, and indirect

supplies

•Build and maintain strong relationships with ranchers, processors, distributors, and key

vendors

•Monitor market trends (commodity pricing, seasonality, supply chain risks) and adjust

purchasing strategies accordingly

•Ensure continuity of supply while minimizing cost volatility and shortages

•Oversee inventory planning in coordination with operations to balance freshness, yield,

and waste reduction

•Lead cost-reduction initiatives, including vendor consolidation, contract optimization,

and alternative sourcing

•Ensure all suppliers meet USDA, FDA, and food safety (HACCP, SQF/BRC)

requirements

•Collaborate with Quality Assurance to approve and audit suppliers

•Implement and maintain procurement systems, reporting, and KPIs (cost savings,

supplier performance, fill rates)

•Manage and develop the procurement team, including buyers and planners

•Partner with finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis

•Support sustainability and animal welfare sourcing initiatives where applicable

Requirements

Qualifications

•Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, or related field (MBA

preferred)

•7–10+ years of procurement experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role

•Direct experience in meat, food manufacturing, or perishable goods required

•Strong knowledge of protein markets, commodity purchasing, and yield management

•Experience negotiating large-scale supplier contracts

•Familiarity with food safety regulations (USDA, FDA, HACCP, SQF/BRC)

•Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and procurement analytics tools

•Strong leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills

Key Competencies

•Strategic sourcing and cost management

•Supplier relationship management

•Risk mitigation and supply continuity planning

•Data-driven decision making

•Cross-functional collaboration (Operations, QA, Finance, Sales)

•Knowledge of cold chain and perishable inventory management

Work Environment

•Combination of office and plant environment

•Regular interaction with production floor and cold storage areas

•Occasional travel to supplier sites, farms, and processing facilities

Benefits

•Performance-based bonus structure

•Health, dental, and vision insurance

•401(k) with company match

•Paid time off and holidays