Production Worker at Calico Cottage

Production Worker

Company Information:

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 our 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 Summary:

The Processing Assistant supports the Production Technician and overall processing operations to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality production of confectionery products. This role assists with ingredient staging, equipment preparation, and product handling while maintaining compliance with company safety, food safety, and quality standards.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Production Technician in setting up and operating processing equipment for daily production runs.
• Stage, weigh, and transport ingredients as directed, following established formulations and batch records.
• Monitor material flow to maintain continuous production and communicate issues promptly to the Production Technician or Supervisor.
• Maintain work areas, tools, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition, adhering to sanitation and GMP standards.
• Support changeovers and cleanouts between product runs, ensuring allergen control and documentation accuracy.
• Assist in recording basic production data such as material usage, lot numbers, and process observations.
• Observe all safety and food safety protocols, reporting any unsafe acts or conditions immediately.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and plant operations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior experience in food manufacturing or production preferred.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing equipment operation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Must be able to lift to 50 lbs. and work in a manufacturing environment involving heat, noise, and standing for extended periods.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Adherence to production schedule (% on-time batch completion)
• First Pass Quality Yield (%)
• Compliance with GMP and safety audit scores
• Downtime support response time
• Attendance and reliability

As an integral member of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

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

Want to make your world a little sweeter? Come join the Calico Cottage team!

Job Type: Full-time/Hourly

Work Location: Belleville, IL.

Salary: Starting at $17.00/hour with differential pay based on shift

Travel: None

Calico Cottage 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.