Butcher

About the Role

We are seeking experienced Butchers to join our team at JR Wholesale Meats in Otahuhu, Auckland. This full-time position is a great opportunity to apply your skills in a fast-paced, high-volume meat processing environment, supplying quality products to foodservice and retail customers across New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

Meat Processing and Preparation

• Break down carcasses and primal cuts of meat into secondary cuts and portion sizes as per customer specifications.
• Perform boning, slicing, trimming, dicing, and mincing using knives and processing machinery.
• Prepare meat for further processing, marination, or packaging in accordance with product requirements.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate, clean, and maintain meat processing machinery including bandsaws, mincers, dicers, injectors, sausage linkers, and vacuum/sealing equipment.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for safe and efficient machinery use.

Packaging and Order Fulfilment

• Pick, weigh, label, and pack customer orders accurately, ensuring presentation and product quality standards are met.
• Ensure correct packaging and storage in line with temperature and traceability requirements.

Hygiene, Safety, and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to HACCP, hygiene, food safety, and workplace health and safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment.
• Complete all required production and QA documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Teamwork and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate effectively with supervisors, QA personnel, and production team to meet daily output targets.
• Contribute to process improvements and uphold a high standard of workplace conduct and productivity.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified butcher with at least three years of relevant experience in a commercial    meat processing or butchery setting. 
• Sound knowledge of meat anatomy, butchery techniques, portion control, and meat  presentation.
• Proficient in using meat processing tools and machinery.
• Understanding of HACCP systems, hygiene protocols, and food safety regulations in New Zealand.
• Physically fit and capable of working in refrigerated environments and lifting up to 25kg.
• Strong attention to detail, work ethic, and commitment to product quality.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure in a team environment.
• Willingness to work rostered shifts, including early mornings and afternoons (Mon–Fri, 4am–1pm and Sun–Thurs, 1pm–10pm).

About Us

JR Wholesale Meats is a leading meat processing and distribution company based in Otahuhu, Auckland. We specialise in supplying a wide range of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry products to foodservice, retail, and export customers across New Zealand. With a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and customer service, we operate a high-volume processing facility supported by a diverse and dedicated team. Our workplace values reliability, teamwork, and continuous improvement in everything we do.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take on a rewarding and challenging role in the meat processing industry, we would love to hear from you. Please apply online with your CV and cover letter now. To ensure a safe and compliant work environment, successful candidates will be required to complete satisfactory pre-employment checks. These may include satisfactory employment references, government agency verifications (Ministry of Justice and ACC) as well as alcohol and drug testing conducted by an accredited provider for workplace substance testing in New Zealand.