Job Description
Main Function
- The Butcher Kitchen Steward supports the butchery and kitchen operations by assisting with meat and fish handling, maintaining proper cleanliness, organizing supplies, and ensuring smooth workflow in the butcher section.
- The role is essential in helping senior butchers and chefs with preparing, storing, and organizing meat products while upholding the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
- The ideal candidate must be hardworking, attentive, teachable, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment that requires accuracy and cleanliness.
Responsibilities
Meat & Fish Preparation:
- Assist in receiving, cleaning, and preparing various meats such as beef, chicken, goat, pork, and fish under supervision.
- Help with cutting, trimming, deboning, and portioning meat and fish according to kitchen standards.
- Prepare basic cuts and arrange portions for daily production.
- Follow proper handling procedures to prevent contamination or spoilage.
- Assist in preparing ingredients needed for marination, seasoning, or grinding.
Butchery Support:
- Support the Butcher or Chef de Partie during meat processing tasks.
- Help in labeling, tagging, and organizing different meat cuts.
- Assist with grinding, slicing, and packaging as directed.
- Safely operate basic equipment such as knives, cutters, mincers, slicers, and weighing scales.
- Follow standard cutting techniques and portioning guidelines.
Kitchen Hygiene and Safety:
- Maintain strict hygiene and food safety practices (HACCP).
- Clean and sanitize butcher tables, boards, knives, and tools regularly.
- Ensure proper segregation of raw meat, cooked food, and other ingredients.
- Handle waste responsibly and dispose of bones, fat, and scraps appropriately.
- Immediately report any safety issues, hazards, or damaged equipment.
Inventory and Stock Control:
- Assist in receiving meat deliveries and verifying freshness, quality, and quantity.
- Properly label and store meats in chillers or freezers at the correct temperatures.
- Support stock rotation using the FIFO method to prevent spoilage.
- Inform the Butcher or Chef de Partie of low-stock items or shortages.
- Handle storage racks, trays, and containers safely and carefully.
Team Support and Cooperation:
- Work closely with the butcher team and kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Assist during peak periods when large quantities of meat are needed.
- Support other sections when required and maintain good communication.
- Attend briefings, training sessions, and skill-development activities.
Experience / Qualifications
- Minimum of SSCE; additional culinary or butchery training is an added advantage.
- 0–2 years of experience as a kitchen steward, butcher assistant, or similar role.
- Experience in a restaurant, hotel, store, or butchery environment is preferred.
- Basic understanding of meat types, cuts, and handling techniques.
- Familiarity with food safety standards and safe equipment usage.
Competencies / Skills:
- Basic butchery knowledge and ability to assist with cutting and trimming.
- Good understanding of hygiene and safe handling of raw meat.
- Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
- Ability to follow instructions accurately and work under pressure.
- Physical stamina for lifting heavy items, standing for long hours, and working in cold environments (chillers/freezers).
- Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.
- Willingness to learn advanced butchery skills.
Behavioural Qualities / Other Competences:
- Hardworking, honest, and highly dependable.
- Respectful, disciplined, and professional.
- Positive attitude with eagerness to improve.
- Good personal hygiene and well-groomed appearance.
- Calm and focused, even during busy periods.
- Strong sense of responsibility and commitment to quality.