Head Candymaker

About Papabubble

Papabubble is an artisanal candy brand built on craftsmanship, creativity, and performance. We create handmade candies using traditional techniques, premium ingredients, and modern design – often in front of customers. Our kitchens are part production facility, part stage, and part classroom, with a strong commitment to safety, food quality, and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Head Candymaker is a hands-on production leader responsible for candy production, food safety, quality control, inventory management, staff training, and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). This role plays a critical part in maintaining product consistency, protecting food safety standards, and supporting the financial performance of the store through efficient production planning and cost awareness.

Schedule & Work Expectations

Full-time

Possible overtime during peak seasons, holidays, and special events

Morning availability required

Schedule varies based on production volume and planning

Key Responsibilities

Candy Production, Quality & Food Safety

Lead daily production of hard candy, lollipops, and specialty items according to approved recipes and quality standards

Maintain strict controls over temperature, humidity, timing, and ingredient ratios

Inspect finished products for appearance, taste, texture, and packaging quality

Enforce food safety standards, including proper handwashing, glove use, allergen controls, cross-contamination prevention, and sanitation procedures

Maintain clean, organized, and inspection-ready workstations and storage areas

Ensure equipment is operated safely and cleaned according to established protocols

Support health inspections and internal audits as needed

Safety Leadership

Promote safe work practices around hot sugar, machinery, sharp tools, and cleaning chemicals

Train staff on proper equipment use, PPE, burn prevention, and emergency procedures

Report safety hazards and near-miss incidents promptly

Help maintain incident logs and corrective action plans when required

Inventory Management & Ordering

Track daily ingredient usage and finished goods inventory

Maintain accurate counts of raw materials, packaging supplies, and production tools

Forecast ingredient needs based on sales volume, seasonality, and event schedules

Place or support purchase orders for candy ingredients and production supplies

Rotate inventory using FIFO principles and monitor shelf life

Minimize waste, spoilage, and over-production

SOP Development & Training

Create, document, and continuously improve SOPs for:

Candy recipes and production methods

Equipment operation and cleaning

Food safety and sanitation

Inventory handling and storage

Retail production best practices

Train new and existing staff using documented procedures

Ensure consistent execution across shifts and team members

Serve as the technical reference point for candy production standards

Operations & Cost Awareness (P&L Support)

Monitor batch yields, ingredient costs, and production efficiency

Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve margins

Support management with basic costing data for recipes and new products

Assist with seasonal product planning and pricing input

Provide operational insights to help improve store-level profitability

Customer Experience (as needed)

Perform live candy demonstrations safely and professionally

Support private events, classes, and workshops

Represent Papabubble’s craftsmanship, quality, and safety standards on the floor

Required Qualifications

3+ years of professional confectionery or candy production experience (hard candy strongly preferred)

Experience working in a food production or retail food environment

Prior experience training or mentoring staff

Strong understanding of food safety standards (ServSafe or equivalent preferred)

Ability to follow and document detailed procedures

Comfortable working in hot production environments

High attention to detail and quality standards

Reliable attendance and strong time management

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for up to 8 hours per shift

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Ability to work near hot equipment and boiling sugar

Manual dexterity for fine candy design work

Ability to bend, reach, twist, and move throughout shift

Compensation & Benefits

Daytime schedule

Competitive pay, based on experience

Overtime pay in accordance with federal and state law

Employee discount

Paid time off

Growth opportunities as Papabubble expands