Startup Production Supervisor

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is looking for a hands-on leader to ensure smooth production operations starting from the initial batch. Candidates should have over two years of supervisory experience in a production environment and possess mechanical aptitude. Responsibilities include coordinating startup activities and working directly with teams to maintain quality and safety standards throughout the production process.

This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to handle challenges in a fast-paced factory environment while ensuring compliance with sanitation and food safety requirements.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of supervisory/management experience in a production environment.
• Strong attendance and reliability.
• Comfort working around production equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the startup plan and communicate expectations.
• Ensure lines are ready and running on time.
• Monitor key machine settings.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Mechanical aptitude

Clear communication

Quality-focused

Tools

Manufacturing software

Job description

The Opportunity

At Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, every great production day starts with a great startup. This role is for a hands‑on leader who's ready to set the pace early—getting lines, chocolate, centers, and people aligned so production runs smoothly from the first batch forward.

You'll work alongside a co‑supervisor and partner closely with Production Leads to coordinate startup activities across Bulk Packing, Barline, Dipping, Enrobing, and, when needed, Kitchen support. This is a serious responsibility: safety, quality, and performance start here. It's also a unique chance to learn new skills and build deep knowledge of chocolate production and the equipment and processes that bring it to life.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the startup plan: review the day's schedule, set priorities, and communicate expectations through Production Leads.
• Get lines ready and running: confirm equipment setup, staging, and readiness so operations begin efficiently and on time.
• Stay close to the process: monitor and adjust key machine settings (temperature, pressure, timing, conveyors, pumps) and support proper melted/tempered chocolate levels.
• Protect quality from the start: check samples, watch for early warning signs, and make adjustments to maintain consistency and reduce scrap.
• Solve problems fast: partner with Maintenance and other teams to troubleshoot equipment or process issues and minimize downtime.
• Keep it safe and compliant: enforce GMPs, sanitation, and food safety expectations every day.
• Track and communicate: use systems like RedZone, Shop Floor, and SharePoint to support reporting and follow-through.
• Be on the floor when it counts: step in directly when needed to support output, quality, and team success.

What Success Looks Like

• Lines start on time with fewer surprises.
• Chocolate and product quality stay consistent from the first run.
• Issues are caught early and handled with urgency and calm.
• Production Leads feel supported and set up to lead their teams well.
• Safety, sanitation, and standards are never optional.

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years of supervisory/management experience in a production environment.
• Strong attendance and reliability as this role sets the tone for the day.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working around production equipment.
• Clear communicator who can lead through Production Leads and partner across teams.
• Quality-focused, calm under pressure, and willing to be hands‑on.
• Bonus if you have: manufacturing software/tracking experience or familiarity with RMCF products and processes.

Physical Environment

• Must be able to work on‑site in a factory environment with regular interaction with coworkers and production equipment.
• Must be able to work in a fast‑paced environment around moving conveyors, machinery, tables, carts, and racks.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Must be able to bend, reach away from the body and overhead, climb, stoop, grasp small objects, and move safely throughout the facility.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to push and pull wheeled carts, racks, pallets, and similar equipment up to 200 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to work in a facility and handle products that may contain milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
• Must be able to follow hygiene, sanitation, safety, and food safety requirements at all times.