Production Manager in Belleville, Illinois at CALICO COTTAGE INC

Company Summary:

Since 1964, we have been the world’s largest supplier of fudge making equipment, ingredients, and marketing expertise. If you ever go on vacation (and we hope you do!), you’ve probably seen and maybe purchased out fudge. Since our fudge is always made fresh in each retail store (and sold under the retailer’s own name), we are the best kept secret in retail confectionary. With a strong presence in numerous countries and a vast network of retailers, including well-known establishments in the tourism sector, we are committed to delivering outstanding products and services.

Our company culture fosters growth and embodies the "Hungry, Humble, Smart" philosophy. We seek individuals who are driven, self-motivated, and always eager to learn and do more. Being humble, our team members prioritize the team over self and lack excessive ego or concerns about status. Additionally, they possess strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to work effectively with others. We value a strong work ethic and a positive & vibrant work environment.

Job Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Production Manager to lead our fudge manufacturing production team, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and efficient production. The ideal candidate will combine culinary production expertise with strong technical skills in ERP systems (specifically Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) to optimize workflows, manage inventory, and maintain strict food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning & Scheduling (Business Central): Develop and implement daily/weekly production schedules in [Business Central] to meet demand, utilizing MRP/MPS functionality to track ingredients, packaging, and finished goods.
• Operations Management: Oversee the entire production cycle from raw ingredient receiving to final packaging, ensuring maximum yield, low waste, and timely delivery.
• ERP Data Management: Maintain accurate inventory levels for ingredients, packaging, and Work in Process (WIP) within Business Central. Release, track, and finish production orders, ensuring accurate cost tracking.
• Quality & Safety Assurance: Ensure compliance with all Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations, HACCP plans, SQF, and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices). Maintain high-quality standards for fudge consistency, flavor, and texture.
• Team Leadership & Training: Supervise, train, and mentor production personnel to foster a culture of quality, safety, and productivity. Set and track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for the production team.
• Equipment Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance of production equipment (e.g., kettles, tables, cooling systems) to minimize downtime.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to production workflows to reduce costs and increase productivity.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3–5+ years of experience in food production management, preferably in confectionery or bakery manufacturing.
• ERP Proficiency: Proven experience working within an ERP system; hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central manufacturing modules is highly preferred.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with experience managing a team of production staff.
• Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of Food Safety Regulations (HACCP, FDA, GMP).
• Skills: Strong analytical and decision-making skills; ability to analyze production data and generate reports.

Desired Skills

• Experience in a scaling business, moving from manual processes to automated production.
• Knowledge of confectionery food science (sugar cooking, crystallization, etc.).
• Lean Manufacturing techniques (5S, waste reduction).

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk on production floors, and lift up to 50 lbs (e.g., ingredients)
  
  

Why Apply with Calico?

This is a pivotal role in a growing company, offering the opportunity to leverage technology (Business Central) to enhance traditional craftsmanship. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, and a high-energy, rewarding environment. As an integral member of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Paid Time Off Plan and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and/or Dependent Care Expenses
• Length of Service Awards
• Employee Assistance Program (employee benefit program that assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being).
• 401(k) Plan
• Life/AD&D Insurance

What makes Calico different from other companies?

• Ice Cream Fridays during fair weather months
• Flu Shot Clinic held annually on-site
• Birthday & Holiday Celebrations held to foster fun and team interaction
• Employee Appreciation Events with great food, fun and team building for all team members and their families
• Charity Drives are held throughout the year to give all Calico team members an opportunity to support our local community
• Employee Referral Program rewards employees for referring qualified new hires to Calico 
• And of course…Plenty of the Best Fudge You’ve Ever Tasted!

Ready to make your world a little sweeter? Come join the Calico Cottage Confections, LLC. team!

Job Type: Full Time/Salaried

Schedule: Monday – Friday (10 Hour Shift; 7:00AM – 3:30PM – OT as needed-potentially Saturdays on occasion as needed per production schedule.)

Work Location: Bellville, Illinois

Travel: None

Salary: $75,000-$85,000

Calico Cottage Confections, LLC. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.