The Butcher is a specialist Back of House role responsible for preparing, portioning, trimming, and storing all meat, poultry, and sometimes seafood products to the standards required by the kitchen team. This position supports consistency, food safety, cost control, and menu execution by ensuring proteins are handled correctly, efficiently, and in line with the venue’s quality standards.
Within the Kitchen (Back of House) structure, the Butcher typically sits as part of the production team and works closely with the Head Chef, Sous Chef, and Kitchen Managers. In many operations, the role reports directly to the Sous Chef or Head Chef, depending on the size and structure of the kitchen. The Butcher also collaborates with cooks, chefs, and receiving staff to ensure product quality, stock rotation, and readiness for service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Receiving, inspecting, and properly storing meat and poultry deliveries
- Breaking down primal cuts into portions suitable for menu specifications
- Trimming, deboning, mincing, marinating, and preparing proteins as required
- Maintaining strict hygiene, sanitation, and temperature control standards
- Monitoring stock levels, yield, waste, and portion control to support food cost targets
- Labeling, dating, and rotating products in accordance with FIFO procedures
- Assisting with basic inventory checks and reporting product shortages or quality issues
- Ensuring all knives, equipment, and work surfaces are cleaned, sanitized, and safely maintained
The successful Butcher is precise, efficient, and highly knowledgeable about meat handling, knife skills, and food safety. They work well under pressure, have strong attention to detail, and understand how to balance speed with quality. A strong sense of teamwork, reliability, and respect for kitchen procedures is essential, along with the physical stamina to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment. This role suits someone who takes pride in craftsmanship, consistency, and supporting the smooth operation of a professional kitchen.