As the Assistant Team Lead – Meat Department at Sunterra Market, you are part of the culinary heartbeat of the market—bringing our fresh, sustainable, and gourmet offerings to life through expertly prepared meats, thoughtful merchandising, and warm, knowledgeable service. This role blends hands-on craftsmanship with operational excellence, supporting a department that reflects Sunterra’s commitment to quality, care, and culinary innovation.
You will assist in planning, organizing, and evaluating daily operations while helping to lead a cohesive team of meat and seafood professionals. From custom cuts and value-added products to curated displays and customer consultations, you’ll help ensure that every interaction and every product reflects the Sunterra standard.
This is a growth-focused leadership role ideal for someone passionate about food, people, and continuous improvement. You’ll support team development, uphold food safety and quality standards, and contribute to margin execution by reducing waste and optimizing inventory. Your work will help deliver a market-style experience that is immersive, polished, and unforgettable—one that celebrates local sourcing, sustainability, and the joy of fresh food.
You’ll also help ensure that all departmental and store goals—as communicated by the Department Lead, Market Manager, and leadership team—are met or exceeded.
If you’re service-driven, detail-oriented, and motivated by the opportunity to lead by example in a dynamic retail environment, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Meat & Seafood Preparation
- Assist with core meat cutting duties:
- Cutting, deboning, and grinding meat, poultry, and fish.
- Trimming wholesale cuts into retail-ready portions (steaks, chops, roasts, etc.).
- Weighing, wrapping, and displaying meat and seafood products.
- Preparing custom orders to customer specifications.
- Storing products at proper temperatures in accordance with food safety standards.
- Receive, inspect, and store meat and seafood upon delivery.
- Follow Sunterra Standardized Recipes and related policies.
Team Support & Leadership Development
- Support the Team Lead in mentoring and guiding team members.
- Help coordinate daily tasks, breaks, and workflow to ensure smooth operations.
- Train and develop team members in job duties, food safety, and health procedures.
- Participate in the selection and onboarding of new team members as part of leadership development.
- Learn to monitor team schedules and performance under the guidance of the Team Lead.
Customer Experience
- Deliver a personalized, knowledgeable, and engaging customer experience.
- Provide expert advice on cuts, preparation methods, and cooking techniques.
- Handle special orders and resolve customer concerns with professionalism and care.
Merchandising & Product Knowledge
- Assist in setting up attractive, well-stocked displays that reflect freshness and seasonality.
- Maintain knowledge of meat cuts, marinating techniques, and value-added offerings.
- Ensure all products and service meet Sunterra’s quality standards.
Operational Excellence
- Estimate and assist in ordering products and supplies.
- Maintain records of inventory, sales, waste, and equipment maintenance.
- Execute waste bin procedures and monitor shrink.
- Follow and monitor sanitary checklists and temperature logs.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal proceed
Qualifications & Experience
- 2–4 years of experience in meat cutting or culinary preparation.
- Previous experience in a retail or food service environment preferred.
- Meat Cutting Certification is an asset; equivalent experience will be considered.
- Familiarity with food safety standards and sanitation practices.
- WHMIS and Food Safety Certification required (training provided by Sunterra).
Skills & Attributes
- Passionate about fresh food and delivering exceptional service.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Team-oriented with a willingness to learn and grow.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Comfortable using digital scales, temperature logs, and food safety tools.
Working Conditions
- Standing and walking for extended periods.
- Exposure to varying temperatures and wet conditions.
- Repetitive lifting (up to 40 lbs), reaching, and manual tasks.
- Fast-paced, team-oriented environment. May walk and work on uneven surfaces.
- Requires some reaching above and below shoulder height.
- Repetitive use of hands with power grasping and fine manipulation.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs using proper lifting techniques.
- Comfortable standing for extended periods and working in cold environments.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
*Full-time and part-time Team Members will receive a discount of 50% off selected prepared foods when enjoyed in-store (these items vary by location) and a general discount on all groceries in-store and the café! *
The seeds of Sunterra took root on the Price family farm over fifty years ago in Acme, AB. With gratitude for land that has been in their family for decades, the Price family decided to name their company after the very things that helped nourish their business - the sun and the earth - and Sunterra was born.
Join our growing Sunterra Family and be part of a team where your contributions are valued and makes the difference. Just like finishing a hard day's work on the farm, working for Sunterra will provide you with a sense of ownership, pride, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Expand your skills and feel a sense of belonging and fulfillment. With your passion and care help create unforgettable experiences for our customers through exceptional service and high-quality products.
Roll up your sleeves and apply!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $17.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Store discount
Work Location: In person