The Meat & Seafood Department Team Lead plays a critical role in the success of our store by overseeing the daily operations of the department, ensuring exceptional product quality, and delivering legendary customer service. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires a strong background in meat and seafood preparation, a commitment to food safety, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.
The Team Lead plans, organizes, directs, controls, and evaluates all aspects of the department’s operations. This includes supervising, directing, and coordinating the activities of team members who prepare, portion, package, and display meat and seafood products. You will ensure that all departmental and store objectives, as communicated by the Market Manager and leadership team, are met or exceeded—while maintaining a positive company image through legendary customer service and exceptional leadership.
This role is ideal for an individual who thrives in a dynamic retail environment and is motivated by the opportunity to lead, inspire, and grow a cohesive team. With a quality-driven leadership style and a deep understanding of fresh food merchandising, you will help create a curated, market-style experience that reflects craftsmanship, freshness, and trust.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Meat & Seafood Preparation
•Perform core meat cutting duties including:
• Cutting, deboning, and grinding meat, poultry, and fish.
• Trimming and portioning wholesale cuts into steaks, chops, roasts, and other retail-ready items.
• Weighing, wrapping, and displaying meat and seafood products.
• Preparing meats and seafood to customer specifications and special orders.
• Storing all products at proper temperatures in accordance with food safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Market Manager.
Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of meat and seafood professionals to achieve operational and service excellence.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management in collaboration with the Market Manager.
• Foster a respectful, safety-conscious, and results-oriented work culture focused on continuous improvement.
Customer Experience & Curated Service
• Deliver a personalized, knowledgeable, and engaging customer experience that reflects a traditional market atmosphere.
• Provide expert advice on cuts, preparation methods, and cooking techniques to meet customer needs and preferences.
• Ensure all customer inquiries, special orders, and service requests are handled with care and followed up on personally.
Product Expertise & Merchandising
• Supervise the preparation, portioning, packaging, and display of meat and seafood products to meet company standards.
• Maintain deep knowledge of primal and secondary cuts, marinating techniques, and value-added offerings.
• Execute visually compelling displays that reflect freshness, abundance, and seasonality.
Operational Excellence
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation protocols, and internal procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory, sales, waste, and equipment maintenance.
• Monitor and manage department margins, labor, and shrink in alignment with budget targets.
Inventory & Purchasing
• Estimate, order, and receive products in accordance with company guidelines.
• Collaborate with the purchasing department to ensure adherence to specifications and pricing from approved suppliers.
• Maintain organized, clean, and properly dated storage and cooler areas.
Qualifications:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in meat cutting or culinary preparation.
• 1–2 years of supervisory or leadership experience in a retail or food service environment.
• Meat Cutting Certification is an asset; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, cost management, and merchandising.
• Sanitation or Food Safety Certification preferred. Sunterra will provide WHIMS and Food Safety.
Skills & Attributes
• Passionate about leading and developing people.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficiency with digital scales, temperature tracking, and food safety documentation.
• Enthusiastic about fresh food and creating a memorable market experience.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs using proper lifting techniques.
• Comfortable standing, cutting, and preparing meat and seafood for extended periods.
• 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.
