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Head Butcher Meat Department Manager
Job Location:
Job Location:
Lewiston, ME - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 50000 - 58240
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
2 August 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
30 October 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- 401(k) matching
Head Butcher / Meat Department Manager
Position Summary
Happy Day Restaurants is seeking an experienced Head Butcher to lead our butcher shop operations. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of meat processing production inventory team leadership food safety and quality control. The ideal candidate is a skilled craftsman with extensive experience breaking down whole animals and whole-muscle primals while also possessing strong management and forecasting abilities.
This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who takes pride in craftsmanship efficiency and developing a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
- Lead train coach and develop butcher shop staff.
- Create production schedules and assign daily workloads.
- Maintain a safe clean and organized work environment.
- Ensure compliance with USDA state and local food safety regulations.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing employee development.
- Promote a culture of teamwork accountability and continuous improvement.
Butchery & Production
- Expertly fabricate whole beef carcasses and whole-muscle primals into retail and foodservice cuts.
- Process pork lamb poultry and specialty meats as required.
- Maximize yields while minimizing waste.
- Produce value-added products including steaks roasts ground meats sausages marinated items and custom cuts.
- Maintain the highest standards for knife skills trimming portion control and presentation.
- Ensure consistent product quality and specifications.
Inventory & Purchasing
- Manage inventory levels to ensure product availability while controlling shrink.
- Forecast demand based on historical sales seasonal trends and promotional activity.
- Order products and coordinate with suppliers.
- Monitor yields food costs and production efficiencies.
- Conduct regular inventory counts and reconcile variances.
Technology & Systems
Experience with inventory and forecasting platforms is required including the ability to:
- Forecast production needs.
- Manage inventory accurately.
- Analyze sales trends.
- Generate purchasing recommendations.
- Utilize Excel and inventory management software.
- Experience with restaurant ERP or inventory systems is preferred.
Qualifications
Required
- 5 years of professional butcher experience.
- 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
- Extensive experience breaking down whole beef carcasses and whole-muscle primals.
- Thorough understanding of all fabrication techniques and meat-cutting standards.
- Strong knowledge of meat yields and cost control.
- Experience with inventory management and demand forecasting software.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to lift 75 pounds and work in refrigerated environments.
Preferred
- USDA inspection and HACCP knowledge.
- Food Safety Manager Certification (or ability to obtain).
- Experience in high-volume retail commissary or restaurant production.
- Experience training apprentice butchers.
What Were Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
- Passionate about the craft of butchery.
- Detail-oriented and quality driven.
- A proven leader who develops people.
- Comfortable using technology to improve operations.
- Focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Able to balance craftsmanship with productivity and profitability.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- 401(k) with company matching.
- Health and retirement benefits (if applicable).
- Paid vacation and holidays.
- Employee meal and company discounts.
- Opportunities for advancement within Happy Day Restaurants.
Join a team that values craftsmanship integrity and excellence while helping build one of the premier butcher operations in the region.
Compensation: $50000.00 - $58240.00 per year
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Happy Day Restaurants THIS IS OUR STORY Inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame in 2016, Happy Day Corporation was founded in 1969 with the opening of a single Taco Time. Now, nearly 50 years later Happy Day is comprised of 13 multi-conceptual restaurants and a large catering division, e ... View more
