Butchery Assistant & Charcutier Trainee

Company: Knepp Wild Range Butchery
Closing Date: 31-07-2026
Location: Knepp Estate, West Sussex
Salary: £28000-£30000
Hours: Permanent
Contact Title: Butchery Operations Manager
Contact Name: Ian
Contact Email: Ian@knepp.co.uk
How to Apply: Email Ian@knepp.co.uk with the subject "Butchery Assistant Application"

Description

About Knepp Wild Range Meat

Knepp Wild Range Meat is produced from free-roaming animals raised within the pioneering rewilding landscape of the Knepp Estate. Our mission is to produce exceptional quality meat while supporting nature recovery, biodiversity, and regenerative food production.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking individual to join our growing butchery team. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn traditional butchery skills while developing specialist expertise in charcuterie production, with a clear pathway for career progression as the business grows.

The Role

As a Butchery Assistant & Charcuterie Trainee, you will support the day-to-day operation of our butchery and production facility. You will receive structured training across all areas of meat processing, from carcass breakdown and order fulfilment through to curing, fermentation, smoking, and the production of award-winning charcuterie products.

This is an ideal role for someone seeking a long-term career in food production, butchery, and artisan charcuterie.

Key Responsibilities

Butchery Operations

Assist with carcass handling, preparation, cutting, packing, and labelling.

Support fulfilment of retail, e-commerce, and wholesale orders.

Learn traditional butchery techniques under the guidance of experienced butchers.

Help maintain product quality and presentation standards.

Charcuterie Production

Assist with preparation of cured and fermented products.

Support seasoning, mincing, mixing, stuffing, netting, and hanging processes.

Monitor drying rooms, maturation areas, and production records.

Learn quality control procedures and product specifications.

Participate in new product development and seasonal product launches.

Stock & Logistics

Receive deliveries and manage stock rotation.

Maintain accurate stock records.

Assist with dispatch, packing, and occasional deliveries.

Food Safety & Compliance

Follow HACCP procedures and food safety regulations.

Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

Complete production and traceability records accurately.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Training & Development

The successful candidate will receive training in:

Carcass breakdown and butchery skills.

Food safety and hygiene.

Curing and smoking techniques.

Fermented sausage production.

Air-dried charcuterie production.

Quality assurance and traceability.

Production planning and stock control.

Career Progression

This role is designed as a development position with opportunities to progress into:

Skilled Butcher

Charcuterie Technician

Senior Charcuterie Producer

Production Supervisor

As Knepp Wild Range Meat continues to expand its charcuterie business, there will be opportunities to take ownership of production areas and develop specialist skills.

Person Specification

Essential

Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Strong attention to detail.

Physically fit and comfortable working in a chilled environment.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

Previous food production, catering, farming, or butchery experience.

Interest in artisan food production or charcuterie.

Understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.

Benefits