Meat Cutter
Confidential Search - client identity withheld pending interview stage. Presented on behalf of a well-established food manufacturing company based in Richmond, BC, supplying premium beef, pork, lamb, and seafood products to retail and foodservice customers across Canada and the United States.
Location
Richmond, BC
Job Type
Full-Time, Permanent
Shift
Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Fridays & Saturdays off)
Starting Wage
$22.50/hour, with progressive union wage increases
Position Summary
Reporting to the Production Manager, the Meat Cutter will be responsible for the precise cutting, portioning, and processing of beef, pork, lamb, and other protein products to meet exacting customer specifications and premium quality standards in a high-volume production environment.
Key Responsibilities
Break down primal cuts (e.g., whole beef butts) into precise portions according to customer specifications and premium quality standards.
Perform portion cutting with precision, minimizing trim loss while maintaining consistent, closely-tracked product yields.
Inspect incoming product for quality, ensuring product condition and dates meet standards before processing.
Package finished product to customer specifications.
Ensure tools and equipment are cleaned and sanitized before the end of each shift to meet food safety requirements.
Accurately record weight, description, and date on product labels.
Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe work area at all times.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Production Manager.
Qualifications & Skills
Prior experience as a butcher, meat cutter, or portion cutter is strongly preferred; strong, precise knife skills are essential - this is a distinct and specialized skill from general kitchen or restaurant cutting.
Ability to work with precision and consistency in a high-volume environment (cutting large daily volumes of product).
Comfortable working with raw meat products in a refrigerated environment (approximately 5°C).
Physically fit and able to stand for extended periods while performing repetitive cutting motions; able to safely lift, carry, and move objects 30+ lbs.
Strong attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to food safety and quality standards.
Reliable, punctual, and looking for a long-term career opportunity rather than short-term or transitional work - the company values and rewards long tenure.
Prepared by Vorollo Recruitment | Confidential Client Search
Willingness to work within, and become a member of, a unionized production environment.
Schedule & Compensation
Shift: Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays off).
Starting wage of $22.50/hour, with wage increases of $0.60/hour every 6 months under the current union agreement.
Structured 3-tier union wage grid (Level 3 entry → Level 2 → Level 1); strong performers can be moved up levels within the first few weeks based on performance.
Top union rate is scheduled to reach approximately $29.98–$30.00/hour by December 2028 (an approximate 37% increase over the life of the current agreement); all employees reach the top rate within 30 months at the latest.
Overtime is paid at 1.5x for the first 2 hours and double-time thereafter (overtime has been minimal in recent periods).
Benefits
Extended health and dental benefits for employees and their families (spouse and children included), fully paid by the company - eligible after 3 months of employment.
Retirement/pension contributions through the union, effective from day one of employment (union dues are tax-deductible).
Annual safety footwear allowance provided on each employment anniversary.
Employee discount on in-house meat products, purchased at cost price.
6-month probationary period.
PPE & Food Safety Requirements
Company provides coats, hard hats, gloves, hairnets, and other required PPE.
CSA-approved steel-toe safety boots are required and employee-supplied (an annual footwear allowance is provided to offset this cost).
Strict food safety protocols are enforced: no jewelry (a plain wedding band and a watch are permitted), no cosmetics/makeup in production areas.
This is a physically demanding, fast-paced production role performed in a cold environment; food safety and quality are treated as non-negotiable at every stage of production.
Pay: From $22.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Do you have at least 6 months of hands-on experience as a butcher, meat cutter, or portion cutter (not general kitchen prep)?
- This role requires working in a refrigerated environment (approx. 5°C) for full 8-hour shifts. Are you comfortable with this?
- Are you available to work Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.?
- Are you legally authorized to work in Canada?
- Can you lift, carry, and move objects weighing 30+ lbs safely and repetitively throughout your shift?
- How many years of experience do you have cutting or breaking down primal cuts of meat (e.g., beef, pork, lamb)?
- Do you own CSA-approved steel-toe safety boots, or would you need to purchase them?
- Are you willing to work as part of a unionized production team?
Work Location: In person
