Kitchen Project Lead

Russell Stover Chocolates, LLC; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

GMP training

Climate-controlled facility

Safe working environment

Job summary

Russell Stover Chocolates, LLC seeks a Kitchen Special Project Lead to oversee SAP-driven production processes from start to finish. You will train Supervisors, ensure orders are complete and accurate, and drive adherence to GMP and FSQA requirements in a fast-paced chocolate manufacturing environment.

You will lead a team to meet production goals while maintaining product quality, safety, and process discipline.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Able to read and understand product specifications and rules.
• Able to read measuring tools and thermometers.
• Able to stand, bend, and lift as required for cleaning.
• Proficient in SAP or related systems, with experience preferred.
• Strong leadership with positive, energetic style.

Responsibilities

• Directing and training employees on SAP positions or lines as directed by supervision.
• Communicating effectively and delegating tasks to team members.
• Operating machinery safely per standards and instructions.
• Maintaining records and supporting area responsibilities.
• Daily review of process orders for accuracy.
• Assist with variance control and resolving material discrepancies.
• Reinforce GMP and food safety standards.
• Complete FSQA training and support food safety objectives.
• Report hazards or deviations and escalate as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Food Safety Culture.
• Perform clean-up activities as assigned.

Skills

SAP

Leadership

Quality control

Safety awareness

Communication

Training

Problem solving

Lean practices

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

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 the Kitchen Special Project Lead, you will be reviewing all Production Process Orders and assisting Supervisors with ensuring orders are complete and free of errors. You will also assist Supervisors in providing SAP training for newly assigned personnel. Overall, you will utilize our SAP management system to maintain accurate records, ensuring smooth operations throughout all stages of production.

Furthermore, you will champion the iconic Russell Stover brand by having a direct role in the chocolate production process from beginning to end. You will be responsible for ensuring each piece of candy that comes out of our facility is "Only the Finest" quality that our customers have grown to expect. You will inspire, train, and support team members, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and excellence. You will guide your department to consistently meet production goals while adhering to our quality standards.

What you will be doing:

• Directing, controlling, monitoring, assisting, and training employees assigned to an SAP position or line, as instructed by your supervisor.
• Communicating effectively and delegating tasks to team members.
• Operating machinery, equipment and tools in a safe and proficient manner according to standards, guidelines and instructions.
• Maintaining records, delivering, inspecting and performing all activities required of other members of the area, line or team.
• Performing daily review of process orders for accuracy.
• Assisting the Variance Control Coordinator and resolving material discrepancies.
• Reinforcing Good Manufacturing Practices with all employees.
• Adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards.
• Completing and following FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensuring consumer safety, and supporting 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.
• Performing clean‑up activities as assigned.

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

Do you have what it takes? (Basic Qualifications)

• 18 years or older.
• Ability to read and understand rules, tape measures, scales and thermometers.
• Ability to read and understand product specifications established by Russell Stover Candies and recognize deviations from those specifications.
• Ability to routinely and frequently stand, stoop, bend, climb and lift to meet cleaning requirements.
• Ability to perform basic math functions.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and objectives.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
• Proficient in SAP or related systems, with experience preferred.
• Ability to evaluate process orders and identify/correct errors as needed.
• Recognized as a positive leader with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Real‑time SAP status reporting to management, ensuring transparency and communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively manage time and priorities.
• Commitment to supporting LPW (Lean Process Work) projects and initiatives.
• A strong work ethic, with flexibility to work as required.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities, with a methodical approach to identifying solutions.
• Highly organized, accurate, and detail‑oriented in all tasks and responsibilities.

Do you stand above the rest? (Preferred Qualification)

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and drive decision‑making.
• A thorough understanding of management responsibilities, with a positive, energetic leadership style that promotes team collaboration and growth.
• Proven ability to lead change in fast‑paced environments, driving continuous improvement.

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 di