Candy Making Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking a Master Candy Craftsman who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together while caring deeply about our brand.

We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. The ideal Master Candy Craftsman will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.

This role of a Master Craftsman is to produce high quality key retail product from raw materials in the applicable craft (i.e., leather, woodcarving, blacksmith, blown glass, candle making, candy making) as assigned by the production schedule while developing and providing engaging demonstrations of the craft. Oversees the training and production of the Craftsman and Apprentice Craftsman responsibilities. All of this is to be done in a manner consistent with the mission and values of The Dollywood Company.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to display and live out Lead with Love qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable.

Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Produce high quality key retail products from raw materials in the applicable craft as assigned by Supervisor, Manager, Buyer, Director or Production Schedule
• Provide guest excellence through entertaining, interactive and engaging structured demonstrations of the craft
• Develop new and on-going demonstrations and product designs that relate to the craft and contributes to improved sales. While adhering to Merchandise standards of product development
• Control expenses to maximize profit in relation with production techniques, improvement in raw material purchases (i.e., cost, quality, and saved shipping expenses), improved productivity, completion of 100% accurate recipe costing forms and production schedules. Ensures 100% accurate raw materials inventory monthly
• Train and evaluate crafts team members and craftsmen relating to production and demonstrations of the craft. This will be measured through the annual GP6 scores for Craftsman as “The Immediate Supervisor” for all Craftsman
• Maintain a positive, friendly, and courteous atmosphere for guests and hosts in assigned area
• Ensure compliance and enforcement of safety regulations and practices relating to the craft. Monthly execution of the merchandise Safety Tour as outlined with the most current Merchandise safety standards
• Assist in the daily operation of assigned area as to retail sales and daily duties of stocking, cleaning, and other preparation for opening each day
• Provide leadership by following established guidelines in assigned area through proper costuming, guest recognition, attendance, employee relations, product knowledge, energy conservation, and environmental concerns
• Assist Supervisor, Manager and Buyer in development of budgets, products, people, and special projects as assigned
• Learn to use POS register and assist in selling of product by providing excellent customer service
• Follow proper procedures of filling out costing forms and production reports as assigned by Supervisor, Manager or Buyer
• Protect the privacy and security of guests and coworkers, including PCI compliance
• Support and exhibits behaviors that are in alignment with our Company Vision, Mission and Core Values

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time

Education and Experience Required

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent. Trade school or comparable experience in the applicable craft, or training within the guidelines of an apprenticeship in the craft
• Knowledge of raw materials, production techniques, costing, vendor relations, safety precaution, and use of chemicals relating to the craft
• Previous experience in teaching or group presentations preferred. Ability to demonstrate the craft in an entertaining and informative manner to guests
• Experience in the operation of machinery or tools relating to producing and demonstrating the craft
• Ability to safely operate company vehicles according to company policy. Must have valid driver’s license, proof of auto liability insurance and acceptable motor vehicle driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must reflect Dollywood’s image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in their work
• Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
• Must be self-motivated and disciplined
• Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
• Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
• Must be productive in a fast-paced environment
• Must display and live out Lead with Love qualities by being: patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable
• Must be committed to continuous improvement
• Must promote and support a “team” work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
• Must adapt to changes easily
• Must maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
• Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
• Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver projects ahead of schedule, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals
• Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
• Able to perform duties consistent with creating a safe and secure environment for hosts and guests
• Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
• Able to learn to operate machinery necessary for production and demonstration of the craft
• Able to operate a calculator in order to complete costing forms for all production items in the craft
• Able to learn to use POS registers and complete sales transactions including opening and closing procedures
• Able to deliver entertaining and informative demonstrations to the guests by audible speaking, eye contact, smiling, memorized knowledge, and answering questions from guests while demonstrating the craft
• Color and depth perception great enough to allow design and produce new products of the craft
• Ability to follow production schedules, labor schedules, and costing recipes which affect the operation of the craft and retail concerns
• Ability to learn budgeting, employee evaluating, scheduling, daily operation of the craft and retail concerns
• Ability to troubleshoot and make suggestions or take action to improve quality, productivity, and guest entertainment
• Ability to manage budgeted expenses and labor
• Ability to train successors in the craft

Physical Requirements | Environmental Conditions

• Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs utilizing company’s safety guidelines for safe lifting
• Mobility: Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours
• Repetitive Movements: This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands, arms or other body parts as part of typical job functions
• Environmental Conditions: This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat
• Cognitive and Sensory Requirements: This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process and retain information, have attention to detail and communicate effectively using approved communication methods.

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.