Walter Toma
Kailua-Kona,HI
Summary
Dedicated professional effectively using meat quality techniques needed to process and produce customer specified products. Consistently mentors associates in cutting methods and safety measures. Offers attention to detail to minimize waste and excellent communication skills to foster positive relationships.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Meat Manager
Costco Wholesale Corp
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
08.1992 - 08.2023
- Managed meat department inventory and ensured product freshness.
- Trained staff on meat handling and safety procedures.
- Oversaw daily operations of meat cutting and packaging processes.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Completed routine maintenance and repair.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
Assistant Head Meat Cutter
Times Supermarket
Waipahu, Hawaii
08.1976 - 08.1992
- Supervised daily meat cutting operations and ensured quality standards.
- Trained junior meat cutters on safety and best practices.
- Managed inventory levels of meats and related products effectively.
- Assisted in developing attractive meat displays for customer engagement.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations consistently.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to all health and safety regulations.
- Coordinated with vendors to resolve any issues with orders or deliveries.
- Maintained cleanliness of work areas at all times according to health regulations.
- Ensured proper sanitation and safety protocols were followed throughout the day.
- Worked with other departments within the store when needed for special events or promotions.
- Rotated stock regularly to reduce spoilage losses due to expiration dates.
- Created promotional displays that increased sales of high margin items.
- Assisted customers with selecting cuts of meats based on their needs.
- Trained new employees on cutting techniques, equipment usage, and product knowledge.
- Assisted Head Meat Cutter in ordering, receiving, and stocking of all meat products.
- Inspected incoming shipments of meat products for freshness and quality assurance.
- Prepared custom orders for customers including slicing, grinding, or tenderizing meats.
- Performed daily maintenance checks on all equipment used in the department.
- Cut meat efficiently by breaking product down into sub-primal and retail cuts.
- Disposed of expired meats in accordance with food safety regulations.
- Complied with federal, state and local sanitation regulations and department procedures.
- Supplied and trained personnel on matters of cleanliness, client interactions and various types of meat cuts.
- Trained employees on safety and protective clothing guidelines to minimize injuries.
- Maintained proper food temperatures for various products.
- Maintained strict adherence to safety and hygiene standards in meat preparation and storage.
- Managed inventory, ensuring freshness and quality of meat products.
- Ensured compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding meat processing and sales.
- Skillfully operated cutting tools and machinery to trim, slice, and cut meat according to customer specifications.
- Packaged, weighed, and labeled meat products accurately for retail sale.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various meat cuts and recommended cooking techniques to customers.
- Trained new staff in butchering techniques, safety protocols, and customer service.
- Monitored storage conditions, including temperature controls, to prevent spoilage.
- Cut, wrapped, weighed and labeled orders for customers.
- Cleaned meat preparation counters and butcher knives to avoid cross contamination.
- Sharpened knives on daily basis for optimal use and longevity.
- Arranged cut meat and products in display case for customer viewing and selection.
- Rotated products to decrease chance of meat spoiling and reduce waste and loss of profits.
- Trained new employees on cleanliness, client engagement strategies and various types of meat cuts.
Education
Meat Cutting Certificate - Meat Cutting Apprenticeship
Honolulu Community College
Honolulu, Hi 08.1976 - 04.1979
Waipahu High School
Waipahu, HISkills
- Meat processing
- Inventory management
- Equipment maintenance
- Food safety compliance
- People management
- Selling product outside of business
Timeline
Meat Manager
Costco Wholesale Corp
08.1992 - 08.2023
Assistant Head Meat Cutter
Times Supermarket
08.1976 - 08.1992
Meat Cutting Certificate - Meat Cutting Apprenticeship
Honolulu Community College
08.1976 - 04.1979
Waipahu High School