Retail Blockman (Butchery) Full Time Jobs

We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Blockman to join a butchery team in Gqeberha. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing, portioning, and preparing high-quality meat products while maintaining strict hygiene standards.

This role requires excellent knife skills, physical stamina, and extensive experience operating commercial butchery machinery and saws

Work Hours: Standard retail hours on a flexible shift basis (including weekends and public holidays).

Salary: R50 per hour.

Requirements:

• Experience: Proven experience as a Blockman or Meat Cutter within a retail supermarket or commercial butchery environment
• Technical Skills: Advanced competence in operating commercial bandsaws and other heavy-duty butchery machinery. Advanced knife handling and de-boning techniques are essential
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of meat cuts, carcass yields, cold chain management, and machinery safety protocols
• Attributes: Strong physical stamina (ability to lift heavy carcasses and stand for long periods), attention to detail, and a strict commitment to safety
• Communication: Fluent in English with good communication skills

Key Performance Areas:

• Meat Processing and Machinery Operation
  • Expertly operate commercial saws, including bandsaws, to cut bone-in meats, frozen products, and primal cuts safely and efficiently.
  • De-bone, trim, and cut carcasses and large meat primals into retail cuts (beef, pork, lamb, and poultry).
  • Prepare specialized cuts, mince, sausages, and quick-meal meat products using commercial mincers and fillers.
  • Ensure maximum yield and minimal wastage during the cutting and sawing process.
• Equipment Care and Food Safety
  • Maintain, clean, and sterilize all commercial saws, bandsaw blades, cutting tools, and machinery continuously throughout the shift.
  • Adhere strictly to occupational health and safety (OHSA) guidelines, ensuring all machine safety guards are used correctly at all times.
  • Maintain strict cleanliness and sanitation standards in the cold rooms, processing areas, and display counters (HACCP principles).
• Stock, Display and Customer Service
  • Inspect incoming meat deliveries for freshness, quality, and correct temperature.
  • Merchandise and replenish meat counters and self-service fridges with eye-catching, well-wrapped displays.
  • Provide friendly, knowledgeable service to customers requesting specific cuts or cooking advice.