Production Lead

At Russell Stover, not only do we love chocolate, but we love our jobs! Every day we go to work exhibiting our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. Working at Russell Stover you'll be part of the leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar-free chocolates. For over 100 years, Russell Stover Chocolates, Whitman's, and Pangburn's have been crafted with the finest ingredients to bring happiness to generations. Today, we produce over 55 million pounds of chocolate annually, and our legacy brands can be found in 13 company-owned stores and over 9,000 wholesale accounts. Join our team and let's continue making chocolate lovers happy!

A day in the life...

The Production Lead has a direct role in the chocolate production process from beginning to end. They are responsible for ensuring each piece of candy that comes out of our facility is "Only the Finest" quality that our customer have grown to expect. A production lead is expected to direct, train, and assist employees. It is your responsibility to ensure your specific area remains safe, efficient, and up to quality standards. You will work within our SAP management system on a daily basis as well as maintain records.

What you will be doing...

• Directs, controls, monitors, assists and trains employees assigned to a specific area, line or team per Supervisor's instructions.
• Must be able to communicate with and delegate tasks to team members.
• Operates machinery, equipment and tools in a safe and proficient manner according to standards, guidelines and instructions.
• Maintains records, delivers, inspects and performs all activities required of other members of the area, line or team.
• Must be able to read and understand rules, tapes, scales and thermometers.
• Must be able to read and understand product specifications established by Russell Stover Chocolates and recognize deviations from those specifications.
• Performs clean-up activities as assigned.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards.
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant's food safety and quality objectives.
• Promptly report and take appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities.
• Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company's Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.

This job posting is not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

Do you have what it takes?

(Basic Qualifications)

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to routinely and frequently stand, stoop, bend, and lift during a 10 - 12 hour shift
• Ability to stand on hard surfaces for the duration of a 10 - 12 hour shift
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.

Do you stand above the rest?

(Preferred Qualifications)

• Must be able to utilize SAP for production purposes.
• Must be able to utilize SAP sessions.
• Must be able to follow, train, and monitor SOP/QUA's.
• Must be forklift certified.
• Must be NWM certified, to include baggers.
• Must be able to set up, and manage production line, and off line projects.
• Must be able to modify shift schedule as needed.
• Must be able to lead employees in all factory departments.
• Must be able to learn specific job duties as required in any factory department.
• A passion for learning
• College degree
• Lead or supervisor experience
• Experience using an RF scanner.
• At least two years of manufacturing experience

What it's like at the Russell Stover Plants

• Safety First: Your well-being is our top priority, and we've got you covered with protective gear. On day one, you'll dive into Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training, and we'll keep you on your toes with daily safety tips to ensure you're always in the know!
• Surroundings: Get ready to work alongside cutting-edge equipment like automated packing machines, forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and those irresistible chocolate candy banks/steels - it's a dynamic environment where every day brings something new!
• Active & Engaging Work: Whether you're on your feet for extended periods, moving around, climbing ladders, or lifting up to 50 lbs, there's never a dull moment. This is a place where you'll stay on the move!
• Comfortable Climate: In most roles, you will be comfortable year-round with our climate-controlled environment.
• Appealing Smells: The air is filled with sweet aromas of chocolate, and by the time your shift ends, you might just leave smelling like chocolate!
• Dress to Impress (Food Safety Style): A simple yet important dress code ensures safety and hygiene, following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to keep everything running smoothly.
• Allergens: You will be exposed to a variety of ingredients that may be considered food allergens like nuts, milk, and more.

At Russell Stover Chocolates, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Russell Stover Chocolates is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.

Make Happy. Work Happy.

Alternatively, you can apply to this job using your profile from Indeed by clicking the button below: