Meat Cutter & Department Associate

As a Meat Cutter & Department Associate at Sunterra Market, you are a skilled craftsperson and a key contributor to the guest experience. Your expertise in custom meat cutting, product preparation, and food safety helps bring Sunterra’s commitment to quality, freshness, and culinary excellence to life.
This hands-on role is ideal for someone who takes pride in their knife skills, understands the art of butchery, and enjoys working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. You will be responsible for preparing a wide variety of meat and seafood products to exacting standards, fulfilling custom orders, and supporting the overall operations of the department.
This is a very service-oriented position that involves courteous, friendly, knowledgeable, and legendary service to customers and team members. You will prepare a variety of meat and seafood cuts, maintain attractive and abundant displays, fulfill custom orders, and ensure that all departmental and store goals—as communicated by the Market Manager and leadership team—are met or exceeded.
With a focus on craftsmanship, cleanliness, and customer care, you’ll help create a market-style experience that reflects Sunterra’s values—local sourcing, sustainability, and a passion for food. Whether you're preparing a specialty cut, assisting a guest with cooking tips, or ensuring the display case is full and fresh, your work will leave a lasting impression.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Custom Meat Cutting & Product Preparation

• Sharpen and adjust knives and cutting equipment.
• Receive, inspect, and store meat and seafood upon delivery.
• Cut, debone, grind, and trim meat, poultry, and fish into retail-ready portions.
• Skewer meat and poultry items for kabobs.
• Grind meats with temperature tracking and documentation.
• Weigh, wrap, label, and display meat and seafood products.
• Prepare custom orders to customer specifications with precision and care.
• Store all products at proper temperatures and follow rotation procedures.
• Follow Sunterra Standardized Recipes and preparation guidelines.

Customer Service & Experience

• Provide knowledgeable, friendly, and personalized service to guests.
• Offer expert advice on cuts, preparation methods, and cooking techniques.
• Handle special orders and resolve customer concerns with professionalism.
• Share information about new products and cooking ideas with customers.
• Ensure sampling programs are followed daily to enhance the guest experience.

Merchandising & Display Maintenance

• Set, rotate, and replenish attractive, abundant displays throughout the day.
• Ensure all displays reflect freshness, cleanliness, and Sunterra’s visual standards.
• Ensure accurate retail pricing and signage is maintained at all times.

Department Support & Operations

• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary workstations and equipment.
• Follow and monitor sanitation checklists and temperature logs.
• Ensure food safety standards and all company procedures are followed.
• Maintain well-organized, dated, and labeled back areas and coolers.
• Track and report waste or shrink in accordance with department procedures.
• Assist in monthly inventory counts and stock rotation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Team Lead, Market Manager, or leadership team.

Team Collaboration & Development

• Work closely with fellow associates and leadership to ensure smooth operations.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members as directed.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Kitchen, Bakery, Front End) to support cross-merchandising and promotions.

Qualifications:

Qualifications & Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in meat cutting, butchery, or culinary preparation.
• Meat Cutting Certification is an asset; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Strong knowledge of primal and secondary cuts, portioning, and value-added products.
• Familiarity with food safety standards and sanitation practices.
• WHMIS and Food Safety Certification required (training provided by Sunterra).

Skills & Attributes

• Strong knife skills and attention to detail.
• Passionate about fresh food and customer service.
• Knowledge of cooking techniques for various cuts and products.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and a proactive problem solver.
• Familiarity with digital scale operation is considered an asset.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Exposure to varying temperatures and wet conditions.
• Repetitive lifting (up to 40 lbs), reaching, and manual tasks. Ability to lift using proper lifting techniques.
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment. May walk and work on uneven surfaces.
• Requires some reaching above and below shoulder height.
• Repetitive use of hands with power grasping and fine manipulation.
• Comfortable standing for extended periods and working in cold environments.
• Availability to work flexible hours including, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Requires some reaching above and below shoulder height.
• Repetitive use of hands with power grasping and fine manipulation.

*Full-time and part-time Team Members will receive a discount of 50% off selected prepared foods when enjoyed in-store (these items vary by location) and a general discount on all groceries in-store and the café! *
The seeds of Sunterra took root on the Price family farm over fifty years ago in Acme, AB. With gratitude for land that has been in their family for decades, the Price family decided to name their company after the very things that helped nourish their business - the sun and the earth - and Sunterra was born.
Join our growing Sunterra Family and be part of a team where your contributions are valued and makes the difference. Just like finishing a hard day's work on the farm, working for Sunterra will provide you with a sense of ownership, pride, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Expand your skills and feel a sense of belonging and fulfillment. With your passion and care help create unforgettable experiences for our customers through exceptional service and high-quality products.
Roll up your sleeves and apply!