Lead Chocolate Maker

Overview

Dandelion Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate factory located in San Francisco’s Mission District, is seeking a Lead Chocolate Maker to join our Chocolate Production team at the 16th Street facility. We focus on crafting chocolate using only cocoa beans and cane sugar, emphasizing strong relationships with cocoa producers by visiting origins regularly.

Work Schedule and Compensation

This full-time position requires 40 hours per week, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including weekend availability. The role reports to the Production Manager and offers a starting annual salary of $70,000, classified as non-exempt.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily chocolate production activities including inspecting beans, roasting, cracking, winnowing, initiating batches, tempering, and packaging chocolate bars, maintaining Lead Maker standards.
• Serve as the primary expert in at least one specific area of the chocolate making process, offering guidance and resolving related issues.
• Collaborate with the flavor manager and other departments on projects to develop new chocolate profiles for various origins.
• Demonstrate leadership by setting an example in professionalism, punctuality, safety, and teamwork, while ensuring all daily production targets are met or surpassed.
• Delegate tasks effectively among team members and maintain a positive and supportive work environment.
• Participate in the Production Task Force meetings weekly or as needed to review and troubleshoot production challenges alongside managers and peers.
• Commit to continuous professional growth, including research, attending events, or taking on passion projects that enhance skills and chocolate quality.
• Maintain rigorous quality checks, tasting chocolate to uphold taste profiles and adherence to safety and manufacturing standards.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols related to food handling and machinery operation.
• Engage courteously with visitors, guests, and filming crews in the factory while balancing safety and production priorities.
• Support additional projects or tasks as they arise with a proactive and inquisitive attitude.

Candidate Profile

• Availability to work 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM with required weekend shifts.
• Proven experience as a chocolate maker in a commercial setting, with refined skills in roasting, tempering, melanging, and refining artisanal chocolates.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the aptitude to absorb rapid information, multitask effectively, and complete assigned lead objectives within 30 days.
• Physical stamina to stand and move for extended periods, handle bending and stooping, navigate busy spaces, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Benefits and Work Culture

Dandelion Chocolate is dedicated to investing in our workforce and culture, offering comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance; 401(k) enrollment options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; commuter benefits; flexible spending accounts; local gym discounts; chocolate tasting events; and opportunities for travel to cocoa origins and our locations in Japan. Employees are encouraged to pursue professional advancement and contribute meaningfully within the company.

How to Apply

We value team members who take initiative and are enthusiastic about contributing significantly to our growth. Interested applicants should submit a resume along with a cover letter describing their favorite chocolate bar they have made or tasted and what inspires their passion for chocolate production.