Company description Theo Chocolate is proud to be the first organic, fair trade, bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the United States. It takes a large array of duties and committed people to make great chocolate.  Our factory, kitchen, marketing and administrative offices are all located in a historical building in the Fremont district of Seattle, WA.

As a bean to bar manufacturer we control every phase of the manufacturing process. This means we can guarantee that every step, every ingredient, everything that goes into each bar is as special as the beans themselves. We strive to be the most progressive chocolate maker in the country. Our efforts are validated with rigorous third-party certifications. We were the first organic, fair trade certified chocolate maker in North America, and we remain one of only a handful today.

Our company is based on a core idea – chocolate can be made in a way that allows everyone in the bean to bar process to thrive. It’s part of why we make our own chocolate, to ensure that everyone involved is treated in a way that we can be proud of and that only the highest quality ingredients and processes are used. The result: delicious, award-winning chocolate. When you taste our chocolate, you will experience our passion and integrity in every luscious bite. 
  Job description We are looking for a Kitchen Production Manager to join our collaborative team. This position is responsible for managing a team of 10+ chocolate making and confection packing staff who create and produce our delicious confections and candies. The ideal candidate would have exemplary management skills, experience overseeing day to day kitchen activities and a passion for chocolate! 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews production orders or schedules to ascertain product data such as types, quantities, and specifications of products and scheduled delivery dates in order to plan department operations.
• Plans production operations establishing daily priorities and sequences for manufacturing products.
• Prepares production schedules and coordinates manufacturing activities to ensure production and quality of products meets specifications based on seasonal inventory needs. This includes future production planning and scheduling
• Works closely across all areas of management including Product Development manager, Retail Store Manager, Sales Manager, the Chocolate Production Manager, and the QA/QC Manager and product and process developers.
• Manages kitchen and confections packing personnel; which includes scheduling, performance evaluations, training, mentoring, resolving complaints and disputes, disciplinary actions, hiring, and terminations.
• Manages all inventory of all ingredients made in house, products used in specialty chocolate bar production and confections. Research and order products.
• Manages inventory of all packaging for confections and other specialty products.
• Periodically organizes and oversees food events/classes in the retail store or outside events as resident chef which includes menu creation, food procurement, managing the budget, planning and staffing of the food production.
• Manages the research, development, and testing of new confections and specialty products. Participates on the  Chocolate Sensory panel to assist in advising flavor profile direction, may include changes to roast curve or other changes such as processing time.
• Researches and develops other products for 3rd parties and manage business relations with the partnerships. An example of this is Sugar Plum and the production of sugar paste. Keeping in mind the business case: product margin, capital expense needs, and the benefit to the business.
• Provides proper job training and encourages work habits to ensure adherence to procedures, regulations employee & food safety. Manages kitchen confection product development and custom orders. Tracks expenditures and evaluates ideas based on aesthetics and production limitations.
• Oversees accurate and timely completion of production records, cost of goods, inventory levels and lot tracking data in the Enterprise Resource Planning system.
• Responsible for meeting financial targets for labor utilization, cost reduction, and inventory management.
• Ensures the production operation complies with all regulatory and company established controls for food safety, product quality, factory safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, Food Safety Modernization Act, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, Allergen Control, Organic, Fair for Life and Kosher segregation.
• Oversees, maintains and exceeds sanitation standards to meet all regulatory, company, and customer requirements.
• Co-ordinates with engineering / maintenance for necessary repairs and maintenance required by PM Program or as needed.
• Develops or revises standard operational and working practices and observes workers to ensure compliance with standards.
• Fill-in making products in productions as needed.
• Manages customer relationships, sales forecast and production of other non-chocolate products.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications: 

Education/Experience: 

Must have two-year associates degree in pastry production, culinary arts or restaurant management with four years+ related managerial or supervisory experience in food production, kitchen management, catering management or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience or technical training with chocolate and confections is a plus. Must have experience with inventory control and production planning. Must have a minimum of two-years adhering to and improving employee and food safety programs. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Manages over ten employees in the Confections Kitchen and Confections Packing department. May manage additional temporary staff during peak holiday season. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Analyzes workload and recommends changes in need for personnel. Responsibilities include revising job descriptions, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; reviewing performance; recommending pay increases, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Compensation this position is : salaried, varies DOE, $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 Application instructions DeadlineFebruary 28, 2020