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Smokehouse Pit Master
Company : KJ's Market
Location : Columbia, SC, 29229
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Overview
To grow community through building guest loyalty and providing personal guest interactions that build genuine relationships with guests and result in a brand-aligned experience while maintaining operating standards.
Responsibilities
1. While on the sales floor, become the Pit Master, the one person in the store with a blinding dedication to all things smoked meat
2. Interact with guests and hosts in a fun and friendly manner to create an engaging environment for all guests
3. Ensure all smokehouse staff provides fun, friendly and engaging service
4. Actively engage guests through freshly prepared Smokehouse samples and suggestive selling
5. To personally demonstrate superior guest service at all times
6. To perform activities outlined in the Pit Master character performance description
7. Operate the department according to strict merchandising and operational standards
8. Ensure the quality of product for sale meets Lowes Foods standards
9. Maintain sanitation and safety throughout the department according to Lowes Foods standards
10. Provide guidance, orientation, training and feedback to ensure Smokehouse staff achieves satisfactory performance standards
11. Perform product preparation, receiving, ordering, stocking and guest service as necessary to achieve standards
12. Maintain HACCP required product information log sheets as necessary
13. Perform light meat cutting duties as needed
14. Perform all other duties as assigned by management
15. Perform PA announcements
Qualifications
1. Friendly, energetic and outgoing personality
2. Must be able to actively engage guests and be willing to have fun with our guests
3. Willingness to perform in front of large crowd and draw attention to the Smokehouse department
4. Ability to perform multiple tasks, simultaneously
5. Ability to stay in character
6. Ability to work well with others
7. Ability to lift 25 lbs. consistently and 50 lbs. occasionally
8. Previous meat cutting/trimming experience
9. Previous Culinary knowledge and/or background preferred
10. Ability to read and understand information and direction
11. Knowledge of deli as well as meat department operations
12. Ability to supervise people including training and development
13. Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn multiple tasks and technical requirements of the job
14. Effective communication, guest service and selling skills
15. Must be at least 18 years old
16. Ability to bend, kneel and stand for extended periods of time
17. Ability to effectively communicate with, and take direction from supervision
18. Ability to work well with computers
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Frequently asked questions
Outstanding Smokehouse Pit Masters excel in meat cutting, customer engagement, and maintaining high sanitation standards. In Columbia, SC, combining culinary knowledge with energetic guest interactions is key to thriving in this role and building a loyal local clientele.
A Smokehouse Pit Master balances preparing smoked meats, training staff, and creating inviting guest experiences. Managing inventory and ensuring product quality are also daily essentials, especially in a community-focused setting like KJ's Market.
Experienced Pit Masters often progress into supervisory or culinary management roles, leveraging skills in team leadership and operational oversight. Columbia's expanding food service scene offers promising growth opportunities for dedicated smokehouse experts.
At KJ's Market, the role emphasizes personal guest interactions and community engagement, fostering a fun, energetic atmosphere. This enhances not only guest loyalty but also provides a vibrant work culture distinct from conventional meat department roles.
KJ's Market invests in hands-on training, ongoing feedback, and leadership opportunities within the smokehouse team. This approach ensures staff continually refine their technical skills and guest service techniques in a supportive Columbia, SC environment.
Columbia's food retail sector shows steady demand for skilled Smokehouse Pit Masters due to rising local interest in gourmet smoked meats. While competition exists, candidates with meat-cutting experience and strong guest engagement have an edge.
While no strict certifications are mandated, familiarity with HACCP standards and local food safety regulations enhances employability. Knowledge of regional taste preferences also helps tailor offerings to Columbia's diverse customer base.
Typically, Smokehouse Pit Masters in Columbia earn between $30,000 to $38,000 annually, depending on experience and responsibilities. This aligns with local cost of living and reflects the role’s blend of culinary skill and customer service.
Guest preferences directly guide sample offerings and suggestive selling strategies, making personal engagement crucial. The Pit Master adapts by maintaining a fun, approachable demeanor to build lasting relationships in the store’s community.
Candidates should be prepared for consistent lifting of up to 25 pounds and occasional heavier loads, along with prolonged standing and bending. Physical stamina supports maintaining quality and safety standards in this hands-on Columbia, SC role.