Industrial Confectionary Cook
Description
Job Overview
The Confectionery Cook (PIM Level 3) is a skilled manufacturing professional responsible for the safe, efficient, and consistent operation of advanced confectionery cooking systems used to manufacture high-quality candy products. This position supports PIM's state-of-the-art, high-volume manufacturing operations and serves as the primary operator of cooking and batching processes that directly impact product quality, production throughput, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
The Confectionary Cook is expected to demonstrate advanced process knowledge, operational ownership, and a higher degree of accountability within a modern manufacturing environment. The position is responsible for operating automated cooking systems, monitoring critical process parameters, maintaining strict adherence to standard work, and ensuring consistent execution of manufacturing schedules.
The Confectionery Cook plays a critical role in ensuring ingredients are accurately prepared, batched, cooked, and delivered to downstream Mogul operations while maintaining compliance with all food safety, quality, safety, operational, and regulatory requirements. Success in this role requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, process discipline, and a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
Duties and Responsibilities
• Execute production schedules while meeting safety, quality, productivity, and operational requirements.
• Prepare, weigh, verify, and process ingredients according to approved formulas and specifications.
• Monitor cooking processes and maintain consistent product flow to downstream operations.
• Perform startup, shutdown, sanitation, product transitions, and changeovers safely and efficiently.
• Verify equipment readiness and monitor ingredient usage to prevent production interruptions.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Technicians, and Leadership to support operational needs.
• Follow approved SOPs, Manufacturing Instructions, Batch Sheets, GMP requirements, and Standard Work Documents.
• Maintain established process controls, operating parameters, formulas, and product specifications.
• Complete required production and batch documentation accurately and in real time.
• Report process deviations, equipment abnormalities, quality concerns, and safety issues.
• Follow company safety policies, procedures, and required PPE practices.
• Comply with GMP, HACCP, SQF, allergen control, sanitation, food defense, and food safety requirements.
• Inspect equipment and work areas for safe operating conditions before production.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, and safety concerns.
• Handle ingredients and products properly to prevent contamination.
• Support safety programs and customer, regulatory, and internal audits.
• Produce products that meet established quality standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor temperature, moisture, solids, viscosity, cook times, pressures, and product consistency.
• Perform required process checks, inspections, and quality verification activities.
• Identify and report process deviations, specification failures, and quality concerns.
• Maintain accurate batch records, production documentation, and product traceability.
• Support quality investigations and efforts to minimize waste and rework.
• Monitor equipment performance and process conditions throughout production.
• Identify abnormalities and assist with troubleshooting process and equipment issues.
• Make approved process adjustments to maintain product quality and efficiency.
• Support Maintenance and Technical teams with troubleshooting, repairs, inspections, and preventive maintenance.
• Document downtime, equipment issues, and corrective actions.
• Meet departmental KPIs for throughput, schedule attainment, efficiency, waste reduction, yield, and performance.
• Maintain productivity while meeting safety and quality requirements.
• Minimize downtime, waste, ingredient loss, product rework, and process variability.
• Use materials, ingredients, equipment, and labor resources efficiently.
• Support Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and plant performance.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and consistency.
• Share knowledge and best practices with team members and newly trained associates.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Leadership.
• Demonstrate accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and commitment to company values.
Education, Experience, and Training
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High School Diploma or GED required.
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Minimum 2–4 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
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Prior confectionery, food manufacturing, mogul operation, or process manufacturing experience preferred.
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Demonstrated ability to operate production equipment safely and efficiently.
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Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, and operational controls.
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Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
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Ability to interpret production schedules, process specifications, operating procedures, and quality standards.
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining operational discipline.
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Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and standard work compliance.
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Basic computer skills and production documentation experience preferred.
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English fluency required, including the ability to read, write, speak, and understand operating procedures, safety requirements, quality documentation, production reports, work instructions, and supervisor communications.
Physical Demands/Essential Job Functions
This role operates primarily within a manufacturing environment and may be exposed to hot surfaces, steam, elevated temperatures, moving equipment, ingredient dust, and production-related noise. Required PPE and GMP-compliant attire must be worn at all times.
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, walking, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be considered in accordance with applicable laws.