Caramel Jobs in Usa

About Seroogy’s Chocolates

Founded in 1899, Seroogy’s Chocolates is a fourth-generation, family-owned Wisconsin tradition known for small-batch craftsmanship, classic recipes, and exceptional quality. We proudly produce handmade confections that have become part of generations of family traditions across the Midwest. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a skilled confectioner who can honor our heritage while driving innovation for the future.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead Chocolatier & Product Development Manager to lead all aspects of confectionery creation and quality at Seroogy’s Chocolates. This role safeguards our signature recipes, oversees chocolate and ingredient ordering, ensures consistent product quality, and develops new seasonal and year-round products.

This position blends technical expertise, creativity, and a passion for traditional small-batch methods. You’ll collaborate closely with our Production Manager, Retail Manager, and company leadership to maintain the excellence our customers expect, while also shaping the next generation of Seroogy’s products.

Key Responsibilities

Recipe Stewardship & Production Oversight

• Maintain and consistently execute Seroogy’s established recipes, processes, and product standards.
• Train and support team members in confectionery techniques and product specifications.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert for chocolate tempering, caramelization, enrobing, panning, and other confectionery methods.
• Partner with the Production Manager to ensure daily production runs meet quality, yield, and efficiency goals.

Technical Expertise & Equipment Mastery

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of confectionery and chocolate production equipment, including: melters, tempering machines, enrobers, copper kettles/stoves, batch cookers, cooling tables, depositors, cutters, panners, wrapping machines, and other specialized tools.
• Ensure equipment is used safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Seroogy’s product standards.
• Evaluate and introduce new equipment, technologies, or processes that increase quality and productivity without compromising craftsmanship or tradition.
• Work closely with the Production Manager to optimize workflows, implement improvements, and ensure smooth integration of new processes into daily operations.

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the creation of seasonal, limited-edition, and core new products that align with the Seroogy’s brand and customer expectations.
• Develop prototypes, run test batches, and manage sensory evaluations.
• Research emerging confectionery trends, ingredients, and technologies to inspire new ideas.
• Collaborate with leadership on launch timelines, packaging needs, pricing strategy, and marketing initiatives.
• Maintain strong product pipeline and market presence.

Quality Control

• Oversee product quality from raw ingredients to finished goods.
• Establish and maintain QC protocols including product specs, batch reviews, and shelf-life assessments.
• Troubleshoot inconsistencies or production challenges in real time.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve yield, reduce waste, and enhance consistency.

Ingredient & Chocolate Procurement

• Order chocolate, inclusions, flavorings, packaging components tied to confectionery production, and other necessary materials.
• Manage supplier relationships and evaluate new vendors or ingredients as needed.
• Monitor inventory levels to avoid shortages while controlling costs.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Coordinate with the Retail Manager to ensure packing, finishing, and special gift items meet quality standards.
• Work with the Shipping and Production teams to align schedules, capacity, and special production requests.
• Communicate clearly with leadership on production trends, new product opportunities, and operational improvements.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–7+ years of professional experience in confectionery, chocolate production, pastry, or food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in chocolate work (tempering, molding, enrobing, hand-dipping) and at least three major confection types (caramel, creams, truffles, barks, brittles, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with key confectionery and chocolate equipment: melters, tempering machines, enrobers, copper kettles/stoves, batch cookers, cooling tables, depositors, wrapping machines, and related production tools.
• Strong technical understanding of chocolate crystallization, viscosity, batch scaling, and the variables that impact product quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment, identify process improvements, and introduce new methods or tools while preserving product quality.
• Ability to manage complex projects and timelines.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, allergens, and manufacturing best practices.
• Proven ability to develop and scale new products from concept to production.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, communication skills, and a detail-oriented, quality-driven mindset.

Preferred

• Experience in a small-batch, artisanal, or heritage brand environment.
• Familiarity with equipment scaling—from benchtop R&D tools to larger factory systems.
• A personal philosophy that balances craftsmanship, innovation, and respect for traditional methods.
• Experience leading or mentoring production staff.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to carry forward a 126-year Wisconsin legacy.
• A collaborative, supportive team environment committed to craftsmanship and quality.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• A hands-on role in a business rooted in family, tradition, and community.
• Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.

How to Apply

• Please send your résumé, salary requirements, portfolio of past confectionery work (if available), and a brief note sharing why you’d be a great fit for Seroogy’s Chocolates to

Company Description

Sweet Pete's, located in Historic Springfield in Jacksonville, Florida, is an all-natural sweet shop specializing in handcrafted candies and chocolates. Known for its locally made candy canes, lollipops, sea salt caramels, and sundaes topped with homemade hot fudge and whipped cream, Sweet Pete's prioritizes quality and natural ingredients. Founded by confectionery expert Peter Behringer, the business is dedicated to providing customers with traditional, high-quality confections using real cane sugar along with natural flavors and colors. Sweet Pete's combines a passion for sweets with a mission to deliver pure, carefully crafted treats.

Role Description

This is a part-time, on-site role located in Jacksonville, FL, for an Event Planning Assistant / Events Associate. The individual in this position will assist in planning and coordinating events, including special occasions, parties, showers and weddings. Responsibilities include working directly with clients to customize event plans, organizing logistics, providing seamless customer service during events, and supporting sales efforts to promote event packages. The Events Associate will also help with setup and breakdown and ensure events run smoothly, delivering a positive experience for all attendees. Automatic gratuity is applied to parties.

The event coordinator will also assist and attend some off-site promotional events.

Qualifications

• Strong Communication and Customer Service skills to effectively collaborate with clients, vendors, and team members.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills to address challenges during events as they arise.
• Prior experience in hospitality, event coordination, or customer service is a plus.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessary.

Arway–Long Grove Confections was formed through the union of two trusted confectionery companies, combining decades of expertise, quality, and tradition. As a family-owned business with roots dating back to 1950, we take pride in crafting high-quality confections and delivering exceptional service to customers nationwide. Today, we continue to build on our shared legacy — with a passion for excellence and a focus on the future.

The R&D Scientist supports the development, testing, innovation, renovation, and optimization of confectionery products by developing formulas, conducting bench-top experiments, evaluating ingredient functionality, and assisting in scale-up trials. This role collaborates closely with sales, customers, operations, purchasing and quality teams to document formulations, run sensory evaluations, and ensure prototypes meet taste, texture, and stability targets. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate lab records, preparing samples of newly developed products, performing analytical tests, analyzing data to recommend next steps, troubleshooting formula or process issues, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, cost efficiency, and manufacturing performance.

• Develop, optimize, and scale formulations for chocolate confections, caramel, toffee, panned confections, roasted nut products, and other confections
• Produce samples of newly developed products for presentations to customers
• Conduct benchtop, pilot, and full-scale production trials to ensure product consistency, quality, and manufacturability
• Support the research and application of new manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency and product innovation
• Troubleshoot production issues such as fat/sugar bloom, crystallization defects, stickiness, uneven coatings, and off flavors
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Quality Assurance, Production Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure successful product launches
• Conduct shelf-life studies, analyzing sensory, physical, and chemical stability over time
• Maintain detailed technical documentation including formulations, SOPs, trial reports, and specifications
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase yield, reduce waste, improve sustainability, and enhance efficiency
• Train production teams on new products, processing techniques, quality attributes, and best practices for confectionery manufacturing
• Assist in sourcing new ingredients as necessary for new projects, product optimization, dual sourcing, vendor replacement, etc.
• Evaluate new ingredients, suppliers, and processing technologies
• Perform ERP system adjustment of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and assembly instructions (product narrations)
• Demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills
• Respond to inquiries for information, direction, and/or referrals from internal and external sources in a timely manner
• Identify potential opportunities for cost savings.
• Special projects and/or other duties as assigned
• Report all food safety issues and/or suspicious activity

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, related field, or applicable work experience
• 3 – 5 years of experience in a food development role
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Proven ability to take products from concept through commercialization
• Familiarity with food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMP, SQF, etc.)
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and industry compliance standards
• A passion for food, ingredients, and confectionery innovation
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to collaborate with, motivate, and direct cross-functional teams to achieve commercialization objectives
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent strategic business acumen and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven ability to exercise discretion with confidential information
• Solutions-oriented with analytical thinking skills

ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Bilingual in Spanish and English a plus, but not mandatory
• Appreciates and exemplifies Arway-Long Grove Confections’ family values
• Is self-aware, empathetic, and willing to listen and learn
• Appreciates diversity and actively works to foster a culture of inclusiveness
• Possesses a common-sense approach to business issues—must be proactive and adaptable
• Goal-driven, confident self-starter with a willingness to continually embrace professional development and passion to excel
• Change agent with energy, passion, and enthusiasm
• Team player, willing to help where needed