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Head Butcher

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Job Title: Head Butcher
Location: Melbourne
Expertise: Culinary Recruitment
Reference: 3705
Job Published: 19 Jan 2026
Closing Date: 17 Feb 2026

Job Description

Job Description

Hastings People is partnered with a high-quality food production and supply business, operating across retail and wholesale channels and servicing hospitality and restaurant clients. The operation is known for its commitment to craft, consistency, and strong commercial discipline, supplying premium product to a loyal customer base.

The business is professionally structured, with a clear focus on quality standards, team development, and long-term growth.


The Role

The Client is seeking an experienced Head Butcher to lead end-to-end butchery operations across retail and wholesale production. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with full ownership of production standards, yield optimisation, and team performance.

Working closely with hospitality and restaurant partners, this role plays a critical part in delivering consistent product quality, operational efficiency, and strong commercial outcomes.


Responsibilities

  • Oversee end-to-end butchery production across both retail and wholesale channels

  • Process whole carcasses and primals with a strong emphasis on yield optimisation and cost efficiency

  • Establish, document, and maintain clear standards for cutting, trimming, and portion control

  • Lead, train, and develop junior butchers and production team members

  • Manage stock levels, ordering processes, supplier relationships, and product specifications

  • Maintain full compliance with food safety, HACCP, and all relevant regulatory standards

  • Work closely with chefs, restaurant clients, and hospitality partners on demand planning and supply coordination

  • Create and evolve value-added products, specialty cuts, and seasonal ranges


Requirements

  • 6+ years’ experience as a qualified butcher
  • Proven leadership experience within retail and/or wholesale butchery environments
  • Strong expertise in whole-animal utilisation and margin management
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with hospitality and foodservice operations
  • Experience supplying restaurants, chefs, or wholesale accounts highly regarded


Offer

This is a senior leadership opportunity within a respected and quality-driven food business, offering autonomy, influence over production standards, and long-term career stability.

To learn more about this role, submit your CV or contact Aldrich Koh at aldrich@hastingspeople.com.au for a confidential discussion.

By applying to this role, you are agreeing to the terms set out in Hastings People’s privacy policy available on the Hastings People website.