Job Description
About Papabubble
Papabubble is an artisanal candy brand built on craftsmanship, creativity, and performance. We create handmade candies using traditional techniques, premium ingredients, and modern design – often in front of customers. Our kitchens are part production facility, part stage, and part classroom, with a strong commitment to safety, food quality, and operational excellence.
Position Summary
The Head Candymaker is a hands-on production leader responsible for candy production, food safety, quality control, inventory management, staff training, and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). This role plays a critical part in maintaining product consistency, protecting food safety standards, and supporting the financial performance of the store through efficient production planning and cost awareness.
Schedule & Work Expectations
Full-time
Possible overtime during peak seasons, holidays, and special events
Morning availability required
Schedule varies based on production volume and planning
Key Responsibilities
Candy Production, Quality & Food Safety
Lead daily production of hard candy, lollipops, and specialty items according to approved recipes and quality standards
Maintain strict controls over temperature, humidity, timing, and ingredient ratios
Inspect finished products for appearance, taste, texture, and packaging quality
Enforce food safety standards, including proper handwashing, glove use, allergen controls, cross-contamination prevention, and sanitation procedures
Maintain clean, organized, and inspection-ready workstations and storage areas
Ensure equipment is operated safely and cleaned according to established protocols
Support health inspections and internal audits as needed
Safety Leadership
Promote safe work practices around hot sugar, machinery, sharp tools, and cleaning chemicals
Train staff on proper equipment use, PPE, burn prevention, and emergency procedures
Report safety hazards and near-miss incidents promptly
Help maintain incident logs and corrective action plans when required
Inventory Management & Ordering
Track daily ingredient usage and finished goods inventory
Maintain accurate counts of raw materials, packaging supplies, and production tools
Forecast ingredient needs based on sales volume, seasonality, and event schedules
Place or support purchase orders for candy ingredients and production supplies
Rotate inventory using FIFO principles and monitor shelf life
Minimize waste, spoilage, and over-production
SOP Development & Training
Create, document, and continuously improve SOPs for:
Candy recipes and production methods
Equipment operation and cleaning
Food safety and sanitation
Inventory handling and storage
Retail production best practices
Train new and existing staff using documented procedures
Ensure consistent execution across shifts and team members
Serve as the technical reference point for candy production standards
Operations & Cost Awareness (P&L Support)
Monitor batch yields, ingredient costs, and production efficiency
Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve margins
Support management with basic costing data for recipes and new products
Assist with seasonal product planning and pricing input
Provide operational insights to help improve store-level profitability
Customer Experience (as needed)
Perform live candy demonstrations safely and professionally
Support private events, classes, and workshops
Represent Papabubble’s craftsmanship, quality, and safety standards on the floor
Required Qualifications
3+ years of professional confectionery or candy production experience (hard candy strongly preferred)
Experience working in a food production or retail food environment
Prior experience training or mentoring staff
Strong understanding of food safety standards (ServSafe or equivalent preferred)
Ability to follow and document detailed procedures
Comfortable working in hot production environments
High attention to detail and quality standards
Reliable attendance and strong time management
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for up to 8 hours per shift
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Ability to work near hot equipment and boiling sugar
Manual dexterity for fine candy design work
Ability to bend, reach, twist, and move throughout shift
Compensation & Benefits
Daytime schedule
Competitive pay, based on experience
Overtime pay in accordance with federal and state law
Employee discount
Paid time off
Growth opportunities as Papabubble expands
