Food processing role profile

Butcher Assistant (Fleischereihilfe)

This role supports meat processing operations on Germany-based projects. The job is hygiene-critical, pace-driven, and typically shift-based. English-speaking onboarding is possible on selected sites, but discipline and documentation quality decide who moves forward.

Hygiene-critical Cold-room ready Shift work Repeatable tasks Team-based line work
CV is mandatory. We do not review candidates without a CV. Use the CV builder: https://mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
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Pay baseline (gross)

Minimum wage floor (Germany)

From 01 Jan 2026, Germany’s statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross/hour. Your offered gross rate depends on the site, shift model, and verified experience, but it must respect the applicable legal minimum.

Metric Baseline
Statutory minimum €13.90 gross/hour (from 01 Jan 2026)
Example (40h/week) ~ €2,409 gross/month (illustrative, before taxes & deductions)
Potential additions Shift premiums / overtime premiums (site rules vary), allowances if agreed in writing
Work authorization matters. If you are a non-EU candidate, the realistic route depends on your profile and documents. For Polish-side work-permit pathways and documentation support, review: https://mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html.
What the work looks like

Day-to-day responsibilities

On most sites, the assistant role is about stability: repeating the same operations precisely, keeping the workstation clean, and maintaining output quality under time pressure. The best performers are calm, systematic, and consistent in hygiene routines.

  • Support processing lines: sorting, trimming support, packing prep, label/box handling (site-specific).
  • Maintain strict hygiene: hand-wash cycles, tool sanitation, and clean-zone discipline.
  • Follow quality rules: report defects, temperature deviations, or packaging issues immediately.
  • Work safely in cold conditions; use PPE correctly (gloves, aprons, footwear, hairnets, etc.).
  • Accurate timekeeping and line reporting where required (counts, batches, checks).

Typical environment

Temperature
Often cool/cold zones; you must tolerate low temperatures for extended periods.
Pace
Line speed is fixed; reliable rhythm matters more than “hero efforts”.
Shifts
Common: early/late shifts; some sites use rotating schedules.
Communication
English onboarding may be available; basic German improves safety briefings and integration.
Hiring standard

Requirements (detailed)

Area What we expect
CV & proof A complete CV in English (PDF preferred) plus short project history: where, when, what tasks, what tools.
Hygiene mindset Comfort with strict hygiene rules and repetitive sanitation routines; zero tolerance for shortcuts.
Physical readiness Standing work, repetitive movements, lifting within site rules; stable attendance and endurance.
Shift readiness Ability to follow a shift schedule (early/late) and arrive reliably, including during peak production periods.
Food-sector onboarding Some sites may require infection-protection instruction/certification for food-handling before starting (site and tasks dependent).
Language English for onboarding on selected projects; basic German (A1–A2) is a practical advantage.
Short candidate portrait

Who tends to succeed here

  • You follow hygiene rules automatically (not “when someone is watching”).
  • You prefer clear instructions and stable routines over constant improvisation.
  • You keep a consistent pace for a full shift, even in cold zones.
  • You document work cleanly (times, batches, checks) and report issues early.
  • You show up reliably and treat safety rules as non-negotiable.
Working with a Polish employer on Germany projects

How it usually works (clear, practical)

Many Germany projects run with cross-border organization. In this model, you cooperate with a Polish company that supports staffing, documentation, and operational coordination, while the work itself is performed on Germany territory under site rules.

  • Clear onboarding: project start instructions, PPE requirements, hygiene zones, and timekeeping rules.
  • Documentation discipline: accurate records reduce delays in verification and payroll processing.
  • Compliance baseline: work in Germany must respect Germany’s minimum wage and core employment standards applicable to the site.
  • Posted-worker logic (where applicable): A1/social insurance documentation and assignment confirmation may be needed depending on your case.
  • Accommodation & logistics: some projects organize housing/transport; terms must be confirmed per project in writing.
This page is informational and does not replace official requirements or individual eligibility checks. If you need Poland-side permit pathway guidance, use: mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html.
Application pack

Prepare before applying

Strong documents speed up screening and reduce “back-and-forth” questions.

  • CV in English (PDF) + phone/WhatsApp and email
  • Passport scan + current location (country/city)
  • Any food/production certificates or proof of similar work (if you have them)
  • Short project list: employers, locations, dates, tasks (3–6 bullets per job)
  • Optional: basic German proof (A1–A2) if available

How to apply (fast path)

  1. Create/Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Send your profile via contact page: mavial.pl/kontakt.html
  3. We screen for fit and documentation quality, then contact you if your profile matches active demand.
No CV — no review. This rule protects processing time and keeps screening consistent.
Vacancy story (anti-template)

Why this role exists on many sites

Food-production sites often scale output quickly before peak demand windows. When volumes rise, the first bottleneck is rarely machinery — it is stable line staffing: people who can repeat tasks precisely, keep hygiene consistent, and maintain pace across full shifts. That is why assistant profiles with disciplined routines are continuously in demand.

Signal 1
Consistency

Same standard, every hour — not only at the beginning of the shift.

Signal 2
Hygiene discipline

Clean-zone rules are followed automatically, without reminders.

Signal 3
Documentation

Timekeeping and reporting are accurate — payroll and compliance depend on it.

Internal navigation

Related roles

Explore similar roles to broaden your options within Germany projects.

Back to Germany jobs index
FAQ (unique set)

Questions candidates ask (and direct answers)

Is German language required for this role?

Not always. Some sites allow English-speaking onboarding for line roles. However, basic German (A1–A2) is a practical advantage for safety briefings, signage, and faster integration.

What is the minimum gross hourly rate in Germany from 01 Jan 2026?

Germany’s statutory minimum wage from 01 Jan 2026 is €13.90 gross per hour. Your offered gross rate depends on the project and verified experience, but it must respect the applicable minimum.

Do you provide accommodation in Germany?

Accommodation depends on the project setup. Some sites organize housing/transport, while others expect candidates to arrange their own. The exact terms must be confirmed per project in writing.

Do I need any food-sector certificate?

Depending on the tasks and the site, infection-protection instruction/certification for food-handling may be required before starting. If needed, the project onboarding specifies how it is handled.

What documents speed up approval and response time?

A complete English CV, passport scan, current location, and a short project history (tasks, dates, tools). If you have production/food certificates or German A1–A2 proof, include them as well.

I am non-EU. Can I still apply?

You can apply with a strong CV, but eligibility is case-by-case. Skilled profiles with recognized qualifications typically have more realistic pathways. For Poland-side permit pathway guidance, use the MaViAl page: mavial.pl/zezwolenie.html.