Candymaker

Russell Stover Chocolates, LLC; Iola (KS); On-site; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Stover Chocolates seeks a dedicated Candymaker to join our kitchen team. You will measure and mix high‑quality ingredients, operate large candy‑making equipment, and uphold strict quality, efficiency, and food safety standards.

You will read formulas, monitor multiple batches, perform clean‑up, and follow GMP guidelines. The role requires 18+ years, the ability to lift 50 lbs, and basic math and computer skills. Experience in a commercial kitchen or manufacturing is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Able to read and understand recipes.
• Possess basic math skills.
• Possess basic computer skills.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. consistently throughout the shift.
• Able to stand on hard surfaces for the duration of the shift.

Responsibilities

• Operate kitchen equipment such as large mixers, steam kettles, and other candy-making equipment according to standards.
• Mix and cook candies in batches following Russell Stover Chocolates' formulas and recipes.
• Read and understand product specifications, measurements, and thermometers.
• Monitor multiple batches or processes simultaneously and ensure quality and safety.
• Perform clean-up activities and help with other duties as assigned by plant management.
• Adhere to GMP guidelines and complete FSQA training for food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Report any food safety hazards, deviations, or non-conformities promptly to the plant supervisor.

Skills

English fluency

Read recipes

Basic math

Computer skills

Lifting 50 lbs

Stamina/standing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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…

As a Candymaker, you will be an essential part of our passionate kitchen team, crafting the finest handcrafted confections. In this role, you’ll measure and mix high‑quality ingredients, operate and maintain specialized candy‑making equipment, and uphold our strict quality, efficiency and safety standards. You will also ensure your workspace remains clean and sanitized throughout your shift, contributing to a smooth and efficient production process.

What you will be doing…

• Operating kitchen equipment such as large mixers, steam kettles, fire cookers and large pots in a safe and proficient manner according to standards, guidelines and instructions.
• Mixing and/or cooking candies in batches per Russell Stover Chocolates standards.
• Reading and understanding formulas/recipes, measurements, tapes, scales and thermometers.
• Reading and understanding product specifications established by Russell Stover Chocolates and recognizes deviations from those specifications.
• Monitoring more than one batch or process simultaneously.
• Performing clean‑up activities as assigned.
• Performing other duties as assigned by plant management.
• Adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines to ensure product quality and uphold food safety standards.
• Completing and following FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives.
• Promptly reporting and taking 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 contributing 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)

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
• Able to read and understand recipes.
• Possess basic math skills.
• Possess basic computer skills.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. consistently throughout the shift.
• Able to routinely and frequently stand, stoop, bend and lift overhead.
• Able to stand on hard surfaces for the duration shift.

Do you stand above the rest?

(Preferred Qualifications)

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.

Experience Life at 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 a variety of 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.

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.

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.