Butchery Manager- Elveden Garden Centre

We are looking for an experienced Butchery Manager to lead the butchery department at our new Elveden Garden Centre.

Salary: £40,000-£46,000 DOE
Location: Elveden Garden Centre
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

Blue Diamond is one of the UK’s leading garden centre groups, with locations across the UK and the Channel Islands. Our centres offer much more than gardening, bringing together retail, restaurants and a wide range of products and experiences for our customers.

Elveden is an exciting new addition to the Blue Diamond group, and we are building a team to help establish the centre and make it a destination for customers. This is an opportunity to join us at the beginning of that journey and play a key part in shaping what we offer.

About the Role

You will have the opportunity to build the department, develop the product range and establish the standards that will set it apart. From traditional butchery skills and quality fresh meat to creating a range of prepared products, you will take ownership of the department’s day-to-day operation, team and commercial performance.

We are looking for someone who combines excellent practical butchery skills with a commercial mindset and the enthusiasm to help make a new department a success.

Key Responsibilities

Butchery & Product Quality

• Oversee the preparation and presentation of fresh meat, including beef, pork, lamb and venison.

• Carry out full carcass breakdown and ensure products are prepared to a consistently high standard.

• Produce a range of added-value products, including sausages, burgers and speciality lines.

• Develop the product range in line with customer demand and seasonal opportunities.

• Ensure the counter is well presented, fully stocked and showcases the quality of the products available.

• Manage customer requests and special orders.

Team Leadership

• Lead and motivate the butchery team, setting clear expectations and maintaining high standards.

• Organise rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels.

• Recruit, train and develop colleagues, sharing your knowledge and practical skills.

• Create a positive working environment built around teamwork, quality and customer service.

Stock & Commercial Management

• Manage ordering, stock levels and stock rotation.

• Monitor sales, margins and waste, identifying opportunities to improve profitability.

• Ensure deliveries are checked, stored correctly and handled safely.

• Complete stock counts and investigate discrepancies.

• Maintain good product availability while minimising unnecessary waste.

• Take ownership of departmental performance, identifying opportunities to grow sales and develop the business.

Food Safety & Standards

• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, HACCP principles and company procedures.

• Maintain accurate temperature, traceability and stock records.

• Ensure high standards of hygiene, cleanliness and housekeeping.

• Make sure equipment is maintained and safe working practices are followed.

Customer Service

• Provide friendly, knowledgeable service and help customers choose the right products for their needs.

• Handle queries and feedback professionally.

• Support promotions and seasonal activity to drive sales.

• Look for ways to improve the overall customer experience and build a loyal customer base.

About You

• Previous experience as a Butchery Manager, Senior Butcher or in a similar supervisory role.

• Strong practical butchery skills, including full carcass breakdown of beef, pork, lamb and venison.

• Experience producing sausages, burgers and other prepared meat products.

• A good understanding of food safety, hygiene and traceability requirements.

• Experience managing stock, controlling waste and monitoring commercial performance.

• The ability to lead a team, set standards and develop colleagues.

• A practical, organised approach and a genuine passion for quality products.

• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to great customer service.

• The drive and initiative to help establish a new department and make it a success.

A recognised butchery qualification, Level 3 Food Safety qualification or experience within a farm shop or food retail environment would be advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.

• Staff discount across Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

• Training and development opportunities.

• The opportunity to take ownership of a department and shape it from the outset.

• The chance to be part of the opening and development of a new Blue Diamond destination.

• A role where you can make a real contribution to the department’s growth and success.

If you are an experienced butcher looking for the opportunity to lead a department, put your own stamp on it and be part of an exciting new venture for Blue Diamond, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV outlining your experience and suitability for the role.