Posted by Foodstuffs North Island is seeking a Butchery Assistant / Meat Packer to join the butchery team at PAK’n SAVE Palmerston North in the Manawatu District, New Zealand. This is a fixed-term position running until the end of January 2027, with 32 hours of work scheduled across four days each week.
The role is suited to a hardworking and reliable person who takes pride in food presentation, cleanliness and accuracy. The successful candidate will assist with displaying meat products, preparing and packing meat, maintaining a clean butchery environment and responding to customer queries.
This article covers the job details, responsibilities, requirements, working schedule, training and other important information about this Butchery Assistant / Meat Packer vacancy.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Butchery Assistant / Meat Packer
- Company: Foodstuffs North Island
- Store: PAK’n SAVE Palmerston North
- Location: Manawatu District, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
- Employment Type: Fixed-term contract
- Contract Duration: Until the end of January 2027
- Hours: 32 hours per week
- Work Schedule: Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Daily Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Experience: Relevant experience is not specifically stated as a requirement
- Training: On-the-job training and support provided
About the Employer
Foodstuffs North Island is recruiting for its PAK’n SAVE Palmerston North butchery team. The store is described as one of Palmerston North’s largest retail butcheries and operates in a fast-paced retail environment.
The successful candidate will work alongside the existing butchery team and help maintain high standards for meat presentation, packing, cleanliness and customer service.
About the Butchery Assistant / Meat Packer Role
The Butchery Assistant / Meat Packer will support the day-to-day operation of the butchery department. A major part of the position involves ensuring meat products are properly prepared, packed and presented for customers.
Attention to detail is important, particularly when displaying products and maintaining the cleanliness of the butchery. The role also involves customer interaction, making effective communication an important part of the position.
Key Responsibilities
The main duties of the Butchery Assistant / Meat Packer include:
- Arrange meat products in display cabinets to maintain an attractive presentation.
- Prepare meat products in trays for packaging.
- Pack meat products according to departmental requirements.
- Clean and maintain the butchery area.
- Assist customers with questions and queries.
- Support the wider butchery team as required.
Qualifications and Requirements
The employer is looking for someone who can work effectively in a busy retail butchery environment.
Key qualities and requirements include:
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- High level of self-motivation.
- Effective communication skills.
- A hardworking and reliable approach.
- Good attention to detail, particularly regarding product presentation and cleaning.
- Ability to follow Health & Safety requirements.
- Ability to comply with the company’s Food Control Plan.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced business environment.
The listing does not specify a particular educational qualification or previous butchery certification.
Training and Support
The employer states that the successful candidate will receive on-the-job training and support.
The position also provides an opportunity to work with a leadership team described as being committed to employee health and wellbeing.
Working Hours
The position involves 32 hours per week, scheduled as follows:
- Monday: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Friday: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Sunday: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Candidates should therefore be prepared for early starts and a schedule that includes both Saturday and Sunday.
Contract Duration
This is a fixed-term employment opportunity. The contract is scheduled to continue until the end of January 2027.
The employer also states that candidates who have not heard from them by 18 September 2026 will have been unsuccessful for the position.
Salary and Benefits
The job listing does not provide a specific salary or hourly pay rate.
However, the employer states that the position includes:
- On-the-job training and support.
- Support from a leadership team committed to employee health and wellbeing.
Who Should Apply?
This position could suit someone who enjoys practical work in a busy food retail environment and is comfortable working as part of a team.
A suitable candidate should be:
- Reliable and hardworking.
- Self-motivated.
- Comfortable working at an early start time.
- Able to communicate effectively.
- Detail-oriented when handling product presentation and cleaning.
- Comfortable following food safety and workplace safety procedures.
- Willing to learn through on-the-job training.
- Available to work the advertised Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the position being advertised?
The position is for a Butchery Assistant / Meat Packer at PAK’n SAVE Palmerston North.
2. Where is the job located?
The position is located in the Manawatu District, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand, at PAK’n SAVE Palmerston North.
3. Is this a permanent job?
No. The position is advertised as a fixed-term contract running until the end of January 2027.
4. How many hours will the successful candidate work?
The advertised schedule totals 32 hours per week.
5. What days will the Butchery Assistant work?
The scheduled days are Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with each shift running from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
6. What are the main duties of the job?
The main duties include displaying meat products, preparing and packing meat, cleaning the butchery and assisting customers with queries.
7. Is previous butchery experience required?
The listing does not specifically state that previous butchery experience is required. It does, however, emphasize teamwork, self-motivation, communication, attention to detail and the ability to follow Health & Safety and Food Control Plan requirements.
8. Is training provided?
Yes. The employer states that on-the-job training and support will be provided.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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