Meat Counter Associate

Meat Counter Associate

Led by owner Joe Gurrera and his commitment to exceptional quality, Citarella has grown from a respected New York City fish market into a premier gourmet food destination, with locations across New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, Connecticut. As a family-run business, we're passionate about great food and delivering an outstanding guest experience. From premium seafood and prime dry-aged beef to chef-prepared specialties, handcrafted pastries, and international cheeses, we take pride in offering the very best. Join our team and become part of New York's vibrant food scene.

Citarella is seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and guest-focused Meat Counter Associate to join our Meat Department. In this role, you'll assist guests with our premium selection of meats, maintain attractive product displays, and ensure the highest standards of freshness, quality, and presentation. The ideal candidate enjoys working with people, takes pride in quality food, and thrives in a fast-paced retail environment. Whether you bring previous meat department experience or a strong customer service background, this is an opportunity to develop your product knowledge and become part of a team dedicated to exceptional food and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional guest service by assisting customers with meat selections, answering product questions, and providing knowledgeable recommendations.
• Promote department products through suggestive selling and personalized guest interactions.
• Receive, inspect, unload, and organize deliveries, ensuring products meet Citarella's quality standards.
• Stock, rotate, and replenish meat displays while maintaining proper freshness, presentation, and product availability.
• Assist with basic meat preparation, packaging, weighing, and labeling according to department procedures.
• Monitor product quality, storage temperatures, and inventory rotation to minimize waste and maintain freshness.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized counters, display cases, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Safely handle knives, preparation tools, and cleaning supplies in accordance with company procedures.
• Collaborate with department associates and leadership to support daily operations and guest satisfaction.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in meat retail, grocery, food service, or customer service preferred.
• Strong guest service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in premium meat products and willingness to learn different cuts, preparation methods, and quality standards.
• Basic knife skills or willingness to learn proper meat handling and preparation techniques.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic understanding of food safety and sanitation practices, or willingness to learn.
• Dependable, team-oriented, and committed to maintaining Citarella's quality and service standards.

Physical & Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull products and equipment as required by the position.
• Ability to work in refrigerated and temperature-controlled environments.
• Ability to safely operate department tools and equipment while following proper sanitation procedures.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

Citarella offers competitive wages and a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, and retirement savings options, subject to eligibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citarella is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.