What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Lead position at Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts?
Title: Production Lead
Reports to: CEO
Hours:
- Busy Season (Fall-Winter): 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (45-55 hours/week)
- Slow Season (Summer): 7:00 AM - until production is complete (typically 40-45 hours/week)
About this role:
We’re looking for a hands-on, motivated Production Lead to join our team and help craft batches of caramels, toffee, roasted nuts, and so much more. This role requires a balance of precision, creativity, and leadership in a fast-paced production environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about quality, thrives in a team setting, and is driven by results.
Key Responsibilities:
- Open and prepare the front of house, including startup operations and equipment checks.
- Roast nuts and cook core products, including caramels, toffees, brittles, and caramel popcorn, with precision and consistency.
- Participate in daily production planning, including a 4:00 PM meeting with the Front of House Lead to set the next day’s schedule.
- Manage inventory and reordering, working closely with the Finance team and the Front of House Lead to ensure all ingredients and packaging supplies are available.
- Restock production areas and maintain organized workstations throughout the day
- Oversee finished product storage, shipping, and receiving, including forklift operation, pallet wrapping, and prepping outbound shipments.
- Coordinate with and oversee maintenance personnel
- Support front-of-house operations as needed, based on production needs and flow
- Ensure adherence to food safety, cleanliness, and quality control standards throughout the production process.
Requirements:
Experience & Skills
- 2 years in food production, or manufacturing setting
- Experience in confectionery, or roasting preferred
- Comfortable working with commercial kitchen equipment, hot products, and batch production
- Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation best practices
- Experience with inventory tracking and basic production scheduling
- Forklift certification is a plus (or willingness to obtain)
- Basic mechanical or equipment troubleshooting experience
Work Ethic & Attitude
- Enthusiastic, curious, and eager to learn
- Excited by a fast-paced, high-quality kitchen environment
- Self-driven with a “get stuff done” mentality not just clocking in and out
- Detail-oriented and observant, able to notice nuances in roasting and cooking
- Takes pride in consistency and understands cooking is both an art and a science
- Willing to jump in wherever needed and help the team succeed
Leadership & Communication
- Confident and kind, with strong decision-making skills
- Empathic and clear communicator—direct but respectful
- Motivated by continuous improvement and team growth
- Flexible and adaptable when priorities shift or challenges arise
- Strong verbal communication skills; bilingual is a plus
Physical Requirements
- Able to lift 50 lbs regularly and stand for extended periods
- Comfortable working in a warm production environment
- Able to operate warehouse equipment or willing to learn
Why Join Us?We’re a company that values craftsmanship, quality, and team spirit. We work hard, take pride in what we make, and celebrate our wins together. If you love working with your hands, take pride in a job well done, and are excited to grow with a company that’s passionate about what it creates—we’d love to meet you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 – 55 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25
