Full-time, permanent | £40,000 starting salary | 5 days per week
We’re looking for an experienced, commercially minded and hands-on Butchery Manager to join our established independent butchers, deli and online food business in the heart of Tonbridge.
This is a senior, practical management role for someone who enjoys being at the centre of a busy operation. You’ll lead from the front, support our team, drive sales and service, oversee stock and production, and help ensure the business runs efficiently, safely and profitably.
You won’t spend your days sitting behind a desk. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable speaking with customers, leading staff, checking counters and stock, reviewing performance and stepping into the operation whenever needed.
Starting salary: £40,000 per annum
With a structured development and salary review pathway:
- Target salary review to £43,000 after Year 1
- Target salary review to £46,000 at approximately 24 months
- From Year 2, eligibility for a discretionary annual management bonus of up to 5% of basic salary
- 20 days' annual leave plus recognised Bank Holidays
- Annual leave increases to 21 days after Year 1 and 22 days after three completed years
- Workplace pension
- Structured reviews and ongoing training and development
Salary progression is subject to performance, development and overall business performance.
You’ll take day-to-day responsibility for helping manage our busy retail shop, butchery, deli, bakery and online-order operation.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating and supporting the team
- Driving excellent customer service and in-store sales
- Maintaining strong standards across counters, displays and production areas
- Coordinating stock, ordering, purchasing and production
- Monitoring waste, yields, margins and product availability
- Supporting online order fulfilment and busy seasonal trading
- Assisting with rotas, holidays, absence, training and staff performance
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation
- Ensuring food safety, hygiene, HACCP/SFBB, allergen, traceability, labelling and health & safety standards are maintained
- Supporting audits, inspections and operational record keeping
- Monitoring performance and identifying practical ways to improve sales, efficiency and profitability
- Providing clear operational updates to the Company Directors
The first year will include structured training and development across our operation, including stock control, purchasing, margins, compliance, people management and the wider running of the business.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience managing people and day-to-day operations
- Experience in butchery, fresh-food retail, food production, hospitality, deli, bakery or a similar environment
- A practical, hands-on leadership style
- Strong commercial awareness
- Good knowledge of sales, stock control, labour, waste and margins
- Excellent customer-service and communication skills
- Confidence managing standards, performance and accountability
- Strong organisation and the ability to prioritise under pressure
- An understanding of food safety, hygiene, allergens and health & safety
- Confidence using POS, stock, ordering and general business systems
- Reliability, resilience and a genuine desire to build a long-term career with the business
Previous butchery experience would be advantageous but is not essential for a strong candidate with relevant fresh-food operational experience and a willingness to learn.
This is a five-day-per-week role, worked on a rota between Monday and Saturday.
Typical hours are approximately 7:30am–5:30pm, with appropriate breaks.
Saturday working forms part of the role, with additional Saturday cover sometimes required during holidays, sickness, seasonal peaks and particularly busy trading periods. Where a Saturday is worked, a weekday off will ordinarily be scheduled.
The role is fully on-site at:
Ian Chatfield Butchers & Deli
16 High Street
Tonbridge
Kent TN9 1EJ
Because the position requires reliable 7:30am starts, applicants should carefully consider their journey to Tonbridge, including peak-time traffic, public transport and the long-term practicality of their commute before applying.
Ian Chatfield is an established and growing independent family butchers with a busy High Street shop, deli, bakery and nationwide online operation.
This is a significant position within the business and offers the right person the opportunity to take real ownership, develop professionally and build a long-term management career with us.
Think you could be the right fit? We’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and tell us why you’d like to join the Ian Chatfield team: [email protected]
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Full-time, permanent | £35,000 starting salary | 5 days per week
As our business continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced and passionate Butcher to join the team at Ian Chatfield Butchers & Deli in Tonbridge. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who takes pride in their craft, enjoys working directly with customers, and thrives in a busy, high-quality retail environment.
As a Front of House Butcher, you’ll combine expert product knowledge with outstanding customer service, ensuring every customer leaves with the best quality produce and a memorable experience. You’ll also support our expanding online operation and help maintain our shop’s excellent standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cut, and present a full range of meats to the highest standards
- Advise customers with confidence and expertise
- Maintain an attractive, well-stocked counter display
- Uphold strict food hygiene and safety practices
- Support online order preparation and fulfilment (training provided)
- Work collaboratively within a passionate and skilled team
You’re a confident, skilled butcher with great attention to detail and a genuine love for quality food. You value excellent customer service and enjoy being part of a professional, friendly team.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years’ butchery experience (retail preferred)
- Full, clean UK driving licence
- Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene (HACCP Level 2)
- Comfortable using basic IT systems
- Reliable, enthusiastic, and customer-focused
We invest in our people just as we do in our produce — with care, consistency, and long-term growth in mind.
Benefits include
- Salary up to £35,000 per year (based on experience)
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Company pension
- Generous staff discount on all products
- 4 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Company events and team meals
- Supportive and friendly working environment
- Opportunities for ongoing development
- Hours & Flexibility
Full-time position
- 5 day shifts per week (including Saturdays)
- Flexibility required during busy seasonal periods
If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to a respected local brand, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your CV and a short covering note to: [email protected].
