Description

The Spotted Trotter is a wholesale manufacturing and butcher shop -- NOT A RESTAURANT.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF!  We promote from within, we pay above market, and for those employees working a full-time schedule, after 90 days of full time employment, we offer dental and vision coverage at 75% paid, STD, LTD, and Life Insurance at 100% paid, and we have a 401k with a 4% company match with immediate vesting affter 1 year of employment. We also provide a monthly Retail Stipend for each full-time employee to use in our Butcher Shop ($100 for single employees / $200 for married employees or employees living with their children). If that wasn't enough, 6 paid holidays, 4 paid sick/personal days, and a generous vacation package are available for full-time schedules. What other small business is doing that?!?

We work hard but have a great time doing it. We are seeking go-getters, who are clean and organized, but above all have great attitudes and take pride in what they do. We are looking for a hardworking, organized, qualified person that loves the local food community and is looking for a top paying position within a growing company. This position will include hands-on development at one of the best charcuterie and cheese shops in the country!

The Culinary Lead plays a key role in bringing The Spotted Trotter experience to life through thoughtful preparation, merchandising, and execution of our full product range—including charcuterie, fresh sausage, cuts, and select smoked items.  This is a hands-on, self-directed role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment without the structure of a traditional line kitchen. You’ll be responsible for daily prep, slicing, packaging, and transforming product into retail-ready offerings that keep our case and farmers market displays fresh, abundant, and compelling.  Working alongside both our production and retail teams, this role requires strong organization, cleanliness, and respect for shared kitchen space. 

Requirements

Culinary Execution & Prep

• Prepare, slice, portion, and package charcuterie, fresh sausage, meat cuts, and select smoked items
• Maintain a full, fresh, and visually appealing retail case.
• Ensure product quality, consistency, and proper rotation at all times

Product Flow & Inventory Awareness

• Work through inventory efficiently, turning product into sellable formats
• Adjust prep based on sales trends, seasonality, and upcoming markets/events
• Communicate product needs and gaps to the Retail Manager

Farmers Market & Retail Support

• Help build a strong, well-rounded product mix for both retail and farmers markets
• Support execution for market days and special events
• Adapt quickly to changing volume and customer demand

Organization & Cleanliness

• Maintain a clean, organized workspace while sharing kitchen space with production
• Follow food safety standards and proper handling procedures
• Stay on top of prep lists, storage, and daily kitchen flow without direct supervision

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Retail Manager and Production Manager
• Communicate clearly about product availability, prep status, and needs
• Contribute to a positive, efficient team environment

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong culinary skills and comfort working hands-on with meat and in cold environments.
• Ability to work independently with a sense of urgency and follow-through
• Understanding of food handling, basic butchery, and/or charcuterie (preferred)
• Awareness of food cost, waste reduction, and product utilization
• A sharp eye for quality and what looks good in a retail case
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Positive, professional attitude and willingness to jump in where needed
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in culinary, retail food, or food production preferred
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Availability for days, weekends, and occasional special events
• Comfortable working with and handling meat