Kitchen Department Manager – Russell Stover Chocolates – Jobs in Abilene, KS | OpenJobs AI

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Russell Stover Chocolates

Job Details

Overview Company

Kitchen Department Manager

Russell Stover Chocolates

19 days ago

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OnsiteFull-timeSenior

Summary

Russell Stover Chocolates is seeking a Kitchen Department Manager to lead production operations at their Abilene, KS plant, ensuring efficient manufacturing of high-quality chocolate products while upholding safety and quality standards.

About the Role

The Kitchen Department Manager is responsible for managing all production resources in the kitchen department, ensuring products are manufactured on schedule, within budget, and meet safety and quality standards. Key duties include leading and developing supervisory and production staff, applying lean methodologies to reduce waste, enforcing safety and quality compliance (GMP, HACCP, ISO), collaborating with R&D for product development and efficiency improvements, managing budgets and production scheduling, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives through the Lindt Production Way (LPW) methodology.

About You

Required:

Bachelor's degree
5+ years of food, quality, or safety experience in a manufacturing environment
Proven experience with continuous improvement using lean tools such as 5S, TPM, or Six Sigma
Strong knowledge of food quality standards and federal, state, and local regulations
Understanding of GMP, HACCP, and quality standards (ISO, AIB, Siliker)
Excellent computer skills including MS Office
Strong interpersonal, managerial, and leadership skills with a focus on accountability
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience working with individuals at all organizational levels

Preferred:

Master's degree in food science or business
5+ years supervisory experience in a chocolate manufacturing environment
Formal training in sanitation, food safety, and regulatory compliance
Second language proficiency (Spanish)

Benefits

Safety-first work environment with protective gear and GMP training
Work with advanced equipment including automated packing machines and forklifts
Climate-controlled and engaging work environment
Exposure to sweet chocolate aromas and a unique workplace culture
Dress code aligned with food safety and hygiene standards
Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion

Russell Stover Chocolates

Russell Stover Chocolates is a leader in the manufacturer of boxed chocolates. The company’s three brands – Russell Stover, Whitman’s and Pangburn’s - are sold in company-owned retail stores and 70,000 wholesale accounts. After 100 years in operation the company manufactures approximately 100 million pounds of chocolate candies each year in its proud tradition of being “Made in America” and “Handcrafted in Small Batches”.

In September 2014, Russell Stover Chocolates was acquired by Lindt and Sprungli, the world leader in premium chocolates. This was the largest acquisition in the history of Lindt and Sprungli which has operations in over 40 countries across the globe. Russell Stover Chocolates joins sister companies Lindt USA and Ghirardelli to form a powerful confectionery triad in North America

Abilene, KS