Taza Chocolate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COMPANY BACKGROUND At Taza Chocolate we make stone ground, organic chocolate. We want our cacao’s complex flavors to shout loud and proud. That is why we stone grind cacao beans into minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted. JOB SUMMARY The Assistant Plant Manager provides direct support to our plant manager and ensures the effective operation of each work center in the plant. They will be cross-trained in every aspect of our manufacturing process and be expected to cover machine operation to support our production team when necessary. The Assistant Plant Manager reports directly to the Plant Manager.  DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Production Management & Team Leadership: * As a senior member of the Manufacturing team, provide leadership and direction to factory personnel. * Support shift management by identifying and directing staff by process type ensuring appropriate deployment of personnel throughout the factory during equipment downtime occurrences. * Support shift staff to ensure the completion of the production schedule as it is written while being flexible to accommodate changes in demand whenever possible. Maintain the highest quality finished product standards achievable on an ongoing basis. * Work in parallel with the Quality Assurance Manager to ensure adherence to all GMP, HACCP, pest control, and sanitation programs as another set of eyes and ears. * Provides support and guidance for equipment installations, rebuilds, and retrofitting(s) working closely with the Plant Manager and CEO. * Support maintenance programs that track asset utilization, downtime events, and root cause analysis.   * Manage and continuously improve our OSHA workplace safety program by ensuring full compliance with all OSHA safety regulations at all times. Conduct all safe operation, cleaning, and maintenance trainings for all facility staff. * Foster, encourage, and promote a workforce that prioritizes Safety, Quality, and Productivity.   Process Management and Continuous Improvement: * Responsible for the tracking and reporting of programs that minimize waste, track equipment efficiencies, and maintain product quality standards and integrity. * Addresses Sanitation and GMP deficiencies on an immediate and ongoing basis to support the QA Manager and Plant Manager as another set of eyes and ears. * Ensures products are produced according to specifications and without quality defects. Report and issue corrective action where applicable for excess waste and sub-standard product to the QA Manager, Plant Manager, and CEO * Identify and maintain machine time run standards for new and existing applications with support of the Plant Manager. Identify performance gaps through benchmarking and tracking of individual SKU run performance. * Initiate proposals to increase productivity by making improvements to the plant. * Help build and maintain productive relationships with third-party vendors for servicing various aspects of our plant and equipment. * Help to maintain audit and tour ready facility at all times. * Perform other duties and projects as requested. Food Safety: * Serves as a food safety team member * Be a backup plant SQF practitioner   EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS The proven ability to hire and effectively manage manufacturing staff is crucial to the success of the candidate, as Taza is committed to building a team approach to chocolate production with very high quality. Previous work experience in a hands-on environment where mechanical skills were fundamental is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must.  The candidate should be very comfortable using Excel, Google Productivity Suite, and Microsoft Word. This position requires a candidate who can easily work cross-functionally with all of the teams at Taza Chocolate (Sales, Marketing, Retail, Operations, and Manufacturing), values a team environment, and encourages growth across the entire company. Above all, the ideal candidate must be excited to continually learn about chocolate and confectionery manufacturing, be committed to the product and quality, strive to be a leader, and seek to mentor and cultivate these attributes in others on the team.  Must be willing to work late on occasion to get the job done and work alongside the rest of the Taza team to achieve business goals.  HOURS This is a full-time, hourly position. The employee is expected to work 40 hours per week. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Salary range:  $30/hour to $40/hour based on experience Taza Chocolate offers a full benefit package to all full time employees including medical, dental, vision, HRA, life insurance, long term disability, and PTO.