Lead Chocolatier & Product Development Manager

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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,…