Manager - Meat

Do you take pride in craftsmanship, quality, and leading a team that delivers excellence every day?
At Joseph’s Classic Market, our Meat Manager oversees a department rooted in tradition and high standards. Founded by a third-generation butcher, we are committed to freshness, precision, and exceptional service. From handmade sausages to USDA Prime beef, this role leads a skilled team dedicated to delivering a premium meat experience that sets Joseph’s apart.
Growth & Learning at Joseph’s
We believe in developing strong leaders from within. As Meat Manager, you’ll deepen your expertise in product knowledge, food safety, inventory strategy, and financial performance while leading a high-impact department. You’ll gain experience managing sales goals, labor planning, shrink control, and team development—all while upholding the craftsmanship that defines our brand. We value leaders who take ownership, mentor their teams, and grow alongside the business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Department Operations
- Oversee all daily operations of the Meat department, including cutting, packaging, merchandising, and service
- Ensure all meat products are prepared according to Joseph’s quality and portion specifications
- Cut, trim, grind, and prepare meats using proper techniques and equipment
- Take and fulfill custom and special orders while ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Maintain fully stocked and visually appealing service and self-service cases throughout the day
- Maintain organized prep areas, storage coolers, and backstock inventory
- Product Quality & Merchandising
- Ensure all meat products meet Joseph’s freshness, quality, and presentation standards
- Rotate products using FIFO methods to maintain freshness and reduce waste
- Maintain accurate labeling, pricing, and signage on all products
- Monitor case displays to ensure a full, clean, and visually appealing presentation
- Collaborate with store leadership and marketing on seasonal promotions and featured items
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Enforce all food safety standards including proper handling, storage, and sanitation procedures
- Maintain detailed sanitation procedures and cleaning logs
- Ensure proper temperature control for refrigeration, storage, and display cases
- Follow and enforce ServSafe guidelines and local health department regulations
- Maintain safe handling practices when operating knives, band saws, grinders, and other equipment
- Inventory & Cost Control
- Order meat products, supplies, and packaging from approved vendors
- Monitor department inventory levels and maintain appropriate stock levels
- Track shrink, waste, and spoilage while implementing strategies to minimize loss
- Manage departmental budgets including sales goals, labor planning, and supply costs
- Analyze sales trends to adjust ordering and production levels accordingly
- Customer Service
- Provide knowledgeable and friendly service to all customers
- Offer product recommendations, cooking tips, and preparation guidance to guests
- Ensure custom cuts and special requests are handled with professionalism and care
- Address customer concerns promptly and professionally
- Maintain a welcoming and service-driven department culture
- Team Leadership
- Hire, train, schedule, and supervise meat cutters and department associates
- Provide hands-on training in meat cutting techniques, product knowledge, and department procedures
- Provide coaching, support, and performance evaluations
- Monitor department attendance and ensure associates adhere to scheduled shifts and company timekeeping policies, addressing attendance or punctuality concerns promptly and consistently
- Follow up on performance or attendance issues with proper documentation and corrective action when necessary, including disciplinary action forms, notes to file, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
- Conduct daily huddles with team regarding production priorities, service expectations, and department goals
- Promote a culture of craftsmanship, teamwork, accountability, and pride in the department
- Reporting & Communication
- Submit weekly department metrics (sales, labor, shrink) to Store Manager
- Communicate product availability, staffing needs, or operational issues
- Participate in leadership meetings and seasonal planning
- Assist with other duties as assigned by store leadership
Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of leadership experience in meat retail, butcher shop, grocery, or food service environments
- Strong knowledge of meat cutting, product sourcing, portion control, and food safety standards
- Leadership and team development experience
- ServSafe or food safety certification or willingness to obtain
- Ability to lift up to 80 pounds and work in refrigerated environments for extended periods
- Strong communication, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills
- Passion for delivering a premium food experience and building a high-performing team
- Flexible availability including weekends, holidays, and evenings
Physical & Work Environment
This role is performed primarily in the Meat department, including preparation rooms and refrigerated coolers. The Meat Department Manager must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and lift products weighing up to 80 pounds. The environment includes exposure to varying temperatures, sharp tools, heavy equipment, and frequent movement between prep and sales floor areas. The position requires regular interaction with customers and team members, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster a positive, performance-driven work culture.
Why Join Joseph's Classic Market?
At Joseph’s Classic Market, our Meat department represents the heart of our culinary tradition. As a family-owned business founded by a third-generation butcher, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of craftsmanship, service, and integrity. As Meat Manager, you’ll lead a skilled team, protect a legacy of quality, and play a direct role in driving department performance. This is an opportunity to combine hands-on expertise with leadership impact in a company that values growth, accountability, and excellence.
Benefits Include:
- Positive Work Environment
- Competitive Pay
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off & Personal Days
- 20% Employee Discount
We’d Love to Tell You More.
If you have questions about the Meat Manager role, leadership growth opportunities, or what it’s like to lead one of the most tradition-driven departments at Joseph’s Classic Market, we encourage you to reach out. We’re always happy to share more about how you can grow your career and make an impact with us.
As part of our hiring process, we ask all candidates to complete a brief Predictive Index (PI) assessment. This helps us understand your strengths and how you may thrive within our team.
You can complete the assessment here:
https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/76ZK/DepartmentManager
Interview Process
At Joseph’s Classic Market, we utilize VidCruiter as part of our interview process. This platform allows candidates to complete video interviews at their convenience, giving our hiring team the opportunity to better understand your experience and qualifications early in the process.
Employment Eligibility
Joseph’s Classic Market participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new employees. As part of the hiring process, employment eligibility will be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
You'll be redirected to
the company's application page