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Kitchen Lead: Production Kitchen Reports to: Production Manager or Operations Manager Location: Canonsburg, PA Job Summary: Oversees daily operations in the kitchen area, leading a team of batch cooks, mixers, and assistants in the large-scale preparation of centers and fillings (e.g., caramels, marshmallows, creams, ganache, and other inclusions). This hands-on supervisory role ensures consistent quality, food safety compliance, efficient batch production, and smooth transfer of materials to enrobing and depositing lines. The Lead troubleshoots processes, trains staff and maintains high standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise a team of kitchen staff per shift, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and providing on-the-job coaching / training.
• Oversee large-batch cooking and preparation of fillings/centers according to standardized recipes, ensuring precise measurement, timing, temperature control, and consistency (e.g., achieving proper caramelization, aeration for marshmallows, emulsion stability in creams).
• Enforce strict food safety, sanitation, and GMP/HACCP protocols, including allergen controls, equipment cleaning (kettles, mixers, cookers), and proper handling/storage of ingredients.
• Coordinate with downstream teams (enrobing/depositing).
• Track production data (batch logs, yields, downtime), report issues, and contribute to inventory management for kitchen ingredients.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen workspace

  Any additional tasks assigned by Production Manager Qualifications & Requirements:

• 3–5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, preferably in confectionery, chocolate, candy, or bakery production (batch cooking caramels, marshmallows, creams, or similar high-sugar/aerated products).

• Prior supervisory or lead experience in a production/kitchen setting (1–3 years preferred).
• Strong knowledge of confectionery processes: cooking temperatures, sugar stages, aeration techniques, emulsification, and troubleshooting common issues.
• Food safety certification (e.g., SERV Safe, HACCP, or equivalent) required or obtainable within first few months.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs., stand for long periods, and work in a temperature-controlled environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization and communication for team leadership.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation and sick time, dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if applicant receives an offer of employment. Contact William at bsarris@sarriscandies.com for details.

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