Butchery Blockman Retail Opportunity at Pick n Pay

Pick n Pay is inviting applications for the position of Butchery Blockman to join its retail team in Gauteng. In this critical fresh food role, you will be responsible for the cutting, preparing, portioning, weighing, and displaying of high-quality meat products. You will work within a fast-paced retail butchery, ensuring that all fresh meat offerings align with customer expectations and stringent food safety protocols.

As an integral member of the butchery department, your duties extend beyond meat processing to delivering polite, knowledgeable customer service on the sales floor. You will advise shoppers on cuts and preparation techniques while actively maintaining pristine hygiene conditions in the preparation area. This position requires meticulous attention to product presentation, waste reduction, and strict adherence to retail cold-chain standards.

Key Responsibilities & Core Duties

• Cut, trim, debone, and portion beef, lamb, pork, and poultry in accordance with brand specifications.
• Operate butchery machinery including bandsaws, mincers, slicers, and knives strictly following safety guidelines.
• Accurately weigh, price, label, and package fresh meat products for display cabinets.
• Assist retail shoppers with meat selection, offering friendly advice on cooking techniques and portion sizes.
• Rotate butchery stock using the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principle and monitor cold-chain temperatures.
• Ensure thorough sanitisation of cutting blocks, prep areas, tools, and refrigeration units.
• Minimise shrinkage and product waste through precise knife handling and proper meat yields.

Ideal Candidate Profile & Core Attributes

The ideal candidate demonstrates respect for food safety, a strong work ethic, and pride in presentation. Practical knowledge of meat anatomy and butchery equipment is highly advantageous. Given the physical nature of butchery work, candidates must be capable of standing for long periods, lifting heavy meat carcasses, and maintaining sharp focus under pressure while interacting courteously with daily retail shoppers.

Learning, Mentorship & Career Progression

Pick n Pay offers an established operational framework where team members develop specialized trade skills in meat handling, fresh food merchandising, and butchery management. Working alongside seasoned butchery supervisors, blockmen gain invaluable retail experience that can facilitate advancement into Master Blockman, Butchery Specialist, Department Manager, or Fresh Foods Store Management roles.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially specified a salary for this position. Based on South African market data and industry benchmarks for an entry-level butchery blockman role, the estimated remuneration is approximately R5,500 – R9,500 per month. Please note that this is an industry estimate and actual remuneration will be determined by the employer based on qualifications, experience, and internal pay structures.

How to Apply & Submission Guidelines

To apply, complete your candidate submission via the Pick n Pay career portal link provided. Submit an updated CV detailing your meat handling experience or technical training along with copies of your educational certificates. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for face-to-face interviews and practical knife-skills assessments.

• Grade 10 or Grade 12 qualification.
• Knowledge of different meat cuts and basic butchery preparation techniques (previous experience advantageous).
• Ability to operate commercial meat-cutting equipment and machinery safely.
• Basic numeracy skills for weighing, portioning, and pricing items accurately.
• Commitment to high personal hygiene standards and adherence to food safety protocols.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and public holidays.