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Job DetailsJob Location: Somerset - Somerset, NJ 08873Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $17.79 - $22.60 HourlyDo you love snacks? Are you looking to join an ever evolving and rapidly growing team? PIM Brands might just be exactly what you’re looking for! At PIM, we make the brands you love. Our portfolio of products, from Welch’s® Fruit Snacks to Sun-Maid® Chocolate Raisins and Sour Jacks® Sour Candies are enjoyed by millions of consumers every day. And when it comes to careers, we seek talented, results-oriented individuals who want to play a part in building amazing brands and products while working in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-paced office environment. At PIM, you can make an immediate and lasting contribution to help grow iconic snack and confectionery brands, no matter your area of expertise. 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 Operational Execution & Production Performance 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. Ensure cooking operations support schedule attainment and maximize production throughput. 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. Support operational priorities while adapting to changing production demands and schedule requirements. Standard Work & Process Discipline 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. Demonstrate ownership of process consistency and operational execution. Ensure all batches are manufactured according to approved formulas, specifications, and customer requirements. Complete all required documentation accurately, legibly, and in real time. Follow escalation procedures for process deviations, quality concerns, equipment abnormalities, and safety issues. Support implementation and sustainability of standardized manufacturing practices. Maintain process discipline and operational consistency during all phases of production. Participate in standard work audits and continuous improvement initiatives. Safety, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Maintain full compliance with all company safety policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations. Follow 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. Properly wear and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE). Immediately report unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, near misses, incidents, and safety concerns. Participate in safety observations, corrective actions, investigations, and improvement programs. Ensure all ingredients and products are handled in a manner that prevents contamination and maintains food safety compliance. Support customer, regulatory, and internal audit activities. Promote a safety-first culture and actively contribute to a safe work environment. Quality Management & Product Excellence 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. Identify and respond appropriately to process deviations, specification failures, and quality concerns. Immediately communicate quality issues to leadership and Quality personnel. Maintain complete and accurate batch records and production documentation. Ensure traceability requirements are maintained throughout the manufacturing process. Support investigations involving customer complaints, quality incidents, and non-conforming products. Maintain a strong focus on delivering consistent product quality with minimal waste and rework. Equipment Monitoring & Process Troubleshooting Continuously monitor equipment performance and process conditions throughout production runs. Identify operational abnormalities and assist in troubleshooting process or equipment-related issues. Make approved process adjustments necessary to maintain product quality and operational efficiency. Support Maintenance and Technical teams during troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment maintenance activities. Assist with preventive maintenance activities and operational inspections as required. Document downtime events, equipment abnormalities, and corrective actions accurately. Communicate process concerns before they negatively impact production performance or product quality. Support initiatives aimed at improving equipment reliability and operational effectiveness. Productivity & Performance Management Meet or exceed departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to throughput, schedule attainment, efficiency, waste reduction, yield, and operational performance. Maintain high levels of productivity while ensuring compliance with quality and safety requirements. Minimize downtime by proactively identifying process concerns and communicating operational needs. Support achievement of plant performance objectives through efficient execution of cooking operations. Reduce waste, ingredient loss, product rework, and process variability. Utilize materials, ingredients, equipment, and labor resources responsibly and effectively. Contribute to improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through operational discipline and process ownership. Demonstrate accountability for individual and team performance results. Continuous Improvement & Team Development 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. Assist with implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Share knowledge and best practices with team members and newly trained associates. Support cross-functional collaboration between Processing, Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Leadership teams. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, communication, and continuous learning. Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to company values and operational goals. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS 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. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. The incumbent is expected to assume additional responsibilities, projects, assignments, cross-training activities, and operational support tasks as required to meet business needs and organizational objectives at the direction of leadership. We are proud to offer: 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, insurance plans and much more Diverse range of benefit choices tailored to support you in making optimal decisions for yourself, your loved ones, and your preferred way of life Personal time off, vacation time, floating days and observed holidays Business casual dress Entrepreneurial and innovative culture offering the opportunity for internal career advancement Awards & Accolades: #10 Candy Company in North America #26 Global Candy Company Makers of Welch’s - #1 Fruit Snack in U.S. 2024 Advocate of the Year Award Recognized by NJBIA - State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility and in Research/Development 2024 Recognized by New Jersey Business Magazine 2024 Top 100 Privately Owned Company in the Metro NYC Market Top 50 Employer in New Jersey PIM Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer PIM Brands is an e-Verify Employer SOM123 Qualifications
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