Meat Department Manager

Description

Job Summary

The Meat Department Manager is responsible for overseeing all operations within the Meat and Homemade Sausage departments, ensuring profitability, customer satisfaction, and the successful delivery of Mackenthun’s Exceptional Experience. This role requires proactive leadership in staff development, inventory management, financial oversight, and maintaining high standards for product quality, freshness, and customer service. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on expertise with managerial skills to lead a team toward achieving department and company goals.

Key Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead, supervise, and train Meat and Homemade Sausage department staff to consistently deliver exceptional customer service.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations (both probationary and annual reviews) to foster professional growth.
• Ensure productivity levels are met and employee morale is high through effective leadership, support, and conflict resolution.

Financial Responsibilities:

• Meet or exceed departmental financial targets, including sales, labor costs, shrinkage, and inventory control.
• Oversee the inventory process, ensuring stock levels align with sales trends and product turnover.
• Work closely with suppliers to negotiate prices, ensure product quality, and maintain accurate billing, especially for special orders.
• Monitor and control labor costs, scheduling staff based on department needs while meeting budgetary goals.

Inventory & Product Management:

• Oversee product ordering, rotation, and merchandising to ensure fresh, high-quality products are always available for customers.
• Perform regular inventory checks and ensure accurate documentation and stock levels.
• Ensure compliance with health and food safety regulations, overseeing product handling, sanitation, and cleanliness.

Shrink & Loss Prevention:

• Implement strategies to minimize shrinkage through effective training, rotation, and receiving processes.
• Monitor product movement, track waste, and make necessary adjustments to improve department performance.

Customer Service & Sales:

• Actively engage with customers to provide expert advice, answer inquiries, and resolve complaints.
• Contribute to the creation of promotional displays, product specials, and store events to increase sales and customer engagement.
• Continuously explore and integrate new products and customer offerings based on industry trends.

Department Development & Leadership:

• Stay informed on industry trends, customer preferences, and product innovations to introduce new and exciting products to the department.
• Participate in company-wide planning meetings and contribute to strategic decisions.
• Drive employee training and development, focusing on building skill sets and fostering team growth.

Requirements

Education: High School diploma or GED required.

Experience: Minimum 2 years of meat cutting or processing experience required; prior experience in grocery, retail, food service, or culinary positions is a plus.

Certifications: HACCP (Health and Food Safety) Certified and MN Food Manager Certification required (must be obtained post-hire if not already certified). Certifications must be kept current.

Skills:

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems and basic computer applications (Word, Excel, Internet).
• Strong math skills for inventory, pricing, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, sanitation, and food handling practices.
• Ability to delegate tasks and manage a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 80 lbs and pushing/pulling up to 1500 lbs with a pallet jack
• Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive attitude.