Meat Trainer at Houchens Food Group, Inc. – Bowling Green, Kentucky

Overview:

The Meat Trainer supports Meat Department performance across multiple store locations through hands-on training, development, and execution coaching. This role works closely with the Regional Sales Manager of Meat, Store Managers, District Managers, and Meat Department Teams to ensure consistent departmental standards, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

The Meat Trainer helps build confident department leaders by training Meat Managers and associates on core practices, reinforcing company programs, and supporting store-level execution improvements that drive sales and profitability.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Training and Development

• Train Meat Managers and Meat Department associates on company standards and best practices.
• Provide hands-on coaching in Meat Department processes including:
• Safety and Sanitation
• Training and Processing Standards
• Pricing, Displaying, and Merchandising
• Weights and Tares, Scanning Accuracy
• Inventory and Shrink Reduction
• Customer Service Standards
• Assist with training for new Meat Managers and new team members.
• Support skill-building to strengthen leadership, productivity, and confidence in department teams.

2. Operational Execution Support

• Conduct store visits to evaluate training needs and department readiness.
• Reinforce consistent execution standards across multiple locations.
• Identify performance gaps and partner with Meat Managers to correct daily behaviours and routines.
• Help stores implement action plans tied to execution improvements and departmental results.

3. Performance & Standards Reinforcement

• Support Meat Department performance aligned to budgeted sales and profitability goals.
• Promote shrink awareness and operational habits that protect gross profit.
• Assist in improving customer readiness through:
• Strong case conditions
• Consistent product quality
• Effective merchandising
• Service-focused execution

4. Communication & Partnership

• Act as a training liaison between the Regional Sales Manager of Meat and store teams.
• Communicate expectations, training updates, and improvement needs clearly and consistently.
• Work collaboratively with Store Managers and District Managers to support training plans and staffing needs.
• Provide feedback on training progress, store execution strengths, and opportunities.

5. Support of Store Leadership

• Assist Store Managers with department training needs during staffing transitions or turnover.
• Partner in department readiness during leadership changes, performance struggles, or new program rollouts.
• Support team development by helping identify high-potential Meat associates for growth paths.

Qualifications:

• Previous leadership or training experience in grocery or retail, preferably in Meat operations.
• Strong knowledge of Meat Department processes and compliance standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and influence others with a positive, supportive approach.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Organized, dependable, and able to work independently.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Accurate & Detail-Oriented
• Strong Communication (written and verbal)
• Customer oriented
• Decision Making
• Leadership & Influence
• Organized & Reliable
• Problem Solving
• Self-Motivated
• Team Building
• Time Management

Education/Experience

• High School Graduate or GED
• Preferred: 2+ years of Meat Department Management experience.
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Must have access to phone at all times.
• Able to perform basic math calculations

Physical Demands

This role requires the ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, reach, and perform physical work typical of a Meat Department environment, including lifting and carrying product/equipment.

Houchens Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.