Mwanaka Fresh Farm Foods is seeking a motivated and reliable Trainee Butcher to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone looking to build a long-term career in the meat processing and butchery industry. Full training will be provided in meat preparation, cutting techniques, food safety, stock handling, product manufacturing, and customer service where applicable. As part of the role, successful candidates will be trained in the preparation of culturally specific meat cuts and specialty products, particularly those used in African and Southern African cuisines. This includes learning traditional cutting specifications and the production of products such as boerewors sausages, braai packs, marinated meats, and other value-added products supplied by Mwanaka Fresh Farm Foods.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist qualified butchers with the preparation and processing of meat products.
- Learn and develop butchery skills including trimming, cutting, deboning, and portioning meat.
- Learn and apply traditional and culturally specific meat-cutting techniques to meet customer requirements.
- Assist in the preparation and manufacture of specialty products including: Boerwors | Braai Packs | Marinated meats | Other Value Added Meat Products
- Develop an understanding of customer preferences relating to African, Southern African, Caribbean, and other culturally specific meat products.
- Support the preparation of bespoke customer orders requiring specific cuts and product specifications.
- Learn product recipes, seasoning blends, and production methods in accordance with company standards.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety, and cleanliness in accordance with company procedures and UK food safety regulations.
- Assist with receiving, checking, storing, and rotating stock.
- Prepare products for packaging, labelling, display, and dispatch.
- Operate butchery equipment safely under supervision.
- Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all products.
- Clean and sanitise work areas, tools, and equipment regularly.
- Follow all company health and safety procedures.
- Attend training sessions and demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop.
Person Specification
Essential
- Strong willingness to learn and develop new skills.
- Good attention to detail.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
- Reliable, punctual, and hardworking.
- Good communication skills.
- Physically fit and able to undertake manual handling tasks.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable
- Previous experience in food production, retail, hospitality, farming, manufacturing, or butchery.
- Basic understanding of food hygiene and safety practices.
- Interest in meat processing and specialist butchery.
- Familiarity with African, Southern African, Caribbean, or other culturally specific meat products is advantageous but not essential.
WORKING HOURS
- Full-time position.
- Working days are Monday to Sunday on a rota basis.
- Shifts will be scheduled according to business needs and operational requirements.
- Overtime may be available during busy periods.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive:
- Comprehensive on-the-job butchery training.
- Training in culturally specific meat cuts and product manufacturing.
- Food Hygiene and Food Safety training.
- Health and Safety training.
- Opportunities for progression to Butcher, Senior Butcher, Production Supervisor, and Management roles.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Structured training programme.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Employee discount on selected products.
- Company pension scheme.
- Paid annual leave.
- Supportive and inclusive working environment.
Pay: £22,568.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- Have you worked as a butcher before?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
