Industrial Confectionary Cook

About the role

At PIM Brands, we make the brands you love, including Welch’s® Fruit Snacks, Sun-Maid® Chocolate Raisins, and Sour Jacks® Sour Candies. 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 role supports our 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 Confectionery Cook demonstrates advanced process knowledge, operational ownership, and accountability within a modern manufacturing environment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring ingredients are accurately prepared, batched, cooked, and delivered to downstream operations while maintaining compliance with all food safety, quality, safety, operational, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced confectionery cooking systems, batching equipment, ingredient delivery systems, transfer systems, mixers, kettles, and associated processing equipment in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Execute daily production schedules while ensuring adherence to production targets, quality standards, and operational requirements.
• Accurately prepare, stage, weigh, verify, and process ingredients according to approved formulations and production specifications.
• Monitor all aspects of the cooking process to ensure product consistency and compliance with established standards.
• Maintain continuous product flow to downstream Mogul and Processing operations.
• Perform startup, shutdown, sanitation, product transition, and changeover activities safely and efficiently.
• Verify proper equipment readiness prior to beginning production activities.
• Monitor ingredient usage and inventory levels to prevent production interruptions.
• Coordinate effectively with Truckers, Mogul Operators, Quality personnel, Technicians, and Leadership to maintain uninterrupted operations.
• Execute all responsibilities in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Manufacturing Instructions, Batch Sheets, GMP requirements, and Standard Work Documents.
• Maintain strict compliance with established process controls and operating parameters.
• Complete all required documentation accurately, legibly, and in real time.
• Follow escalation procedures for process deviations, quality concerns, equipment abnormalities, and safety issues.
• Maintain full compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations, including GMP, HACCP, SQF, allergen control, sanitation, food defense, and food safety requirements.
• Conduct equipment and area inspections to verify safe operating conditions prior to production startup.
• Produce confectionery products that consistently meet established quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor critical process parameters including temperature, moisture, solids content, viscosity, cook times, pressures, and product consistency.
• Perform required process checks, inspections, and quality verification activities.
• Continuously monitor equipment performance and process conditions throughout production runs.
• Identify operational abnormalities and assist in troubleshooting process or equipment-related issues.
• Support Maintenance and Technical teams during troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment maintenance activities.
• Meet or exceed departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to throughput, schedule attainment, efficiency, waste reduction, yield, and operational performance.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Support root cause analysis efforts involving safety, quality, equipment, and production concerns.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and operational consistency.
• Share knowledge and best practices with team members and newly trained associates.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2–4 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Prior confectionery, food manufacturing, mogul operation, or process manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to operate production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, and operational controls.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to interpret production schedules, process specifications, operating procedures, and quality standards.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining operational discipline.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and standard work compliance.
• Basic computer skills and production documentation experience preferred.
• 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.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

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.

Benefits

• Total compensation package including bonus, 401(k) plan match, and other incentives (*based on eligibility and position).
• Comprehensive benefits package effective day 1, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and insurance plans.
• Diverse range of benefit choices tailored to support personal and family needs.
• Personal time off, vacation time, floating days, and observed holidays.
• Business casual dress.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative culture offering opportunities for internal career advancement.