Head Butcher

About the Role

We are hiring on behalf of one of our clients, a growing food business, for an experienced, hands-on Head Butcher to lead their butchery and meat preparation section. You will play a key part in production, quality, supplier coordination and customer support. This is a full-time position based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It suits someone with strong butchery skills who wants to grow into a broader production and operations role.

Key Responsibilities

Butchery & Meat Preparation

• Select, cut, trim, debone and portion meat to product specifications, focusing on lean cuts suited for jerky (topside, silverside, eye of round, flank)
• Slice meat with or against the grain to achieve the target texture
• Prepare marinades and cures and follow approved recipes consistently
• Minimise waste and track yields and cost per kg

Production & Dehydration

• Run the dehydration and drying process, monitoring time, temperature and product moisture
• Ensure every batch meets quality, texture, taste and shelf-life standards
• Support packing, labelling and batch traceability
• Help develop and test new products and flavours

Temperature Control & Food Safety

• Maintain the cold chain from receiving through storage and production
• Check and record temperatures for chillers, freezers, raw meat and finished products
• Follow and enforce HACCP, halal requirements and UAE municipality food safety regulations
• Keep the butchery area, tools and equipment clean, sanitised and audit-ready

Supply Chain & Inventory

• Inspect incoming meat deliveries for quality, temperature and documentation
• Coordinate with suppliers on orders, specifications and quality issues
• Manage stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO), inventory counts and ordering

Customer Guidance

• Advise customers and clients on cuts, products, storage, shelf life and usage
• Handle product questions and feedback professionally
• Represent the company’s meat expertise in meetings, tastings or events when needed

Team

• Train and supervise butchery and production staff on techniques, hygiene and safety

Requirements

• At least 3 years of proven experience as a butcher, ideally in meat processing, charcuterie or cured/dried meat production
• Strong knife skills and thorough knowledge of beef cuts and deboning
• Working knowledge of HACCP and halal handling; valid food safety certificate preferred
• Experience with dehydration, curing or drying processes is a strong advantage
• Good record-keeping and inventory skills, including yield and cost tracking
• Ability to train and supervise a small team
• Good communication skills in English; Arabic is a plus
• Reliable, hygiene-conscious and detail-oriented, with a willingness to learn and grow into a wider operations role
• References from previous employers

Pay: AED10,000.00 - AED15,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person