Confectionery Production Assistant (Part-Time)

We're a growing premium food startup creating innovative, better-for-you confections using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and proprietary production methods.

We're looking for a culinary student, recent graduate, or experienced confectionery enthusiast who has a genuine passion for the craft and wants to help build something from the ground up.

This is an opportunity to work directly with the founder of an emerging consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand, gain hands-on experience in specialty food manufacturing, and play a meaningful role in bringing an innovative product to market.

What You'll Do

Working from established recipes and production standards, you'll be responsible for:

• Preparing and producing small-batch confections with precision and consistency
• Monitoring temperature, timing, texture, and consistency throughout production
• Pouring, setting, cutting, and finishing products to established specifications
• Dusting, packaging, and labeling finished products
• Maintaining exceptional product quality and consistency from batch to batch
• Following established food safety, sanitation, and quality control procedures
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient production environment
• Identifying opportunities to improve production efficiency without compromising quality
• Working independently to complete assigned production schedules

Who We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is someone who genuinely enjoys the science and artistry of confectionery. You appreciate that small variations in temperature, timing, or technique can make a big difference in the finished product.

You should:

• Have a strong interest in pastry, confectionery, or food science
• Be confident executing recipes independently and accurately
• Understand fundamental confectionery techniques, including temperature control, texture development, and ingredient behavior
• Have the ability to recognize and troubleshoot inconsistencies during production
• Take pride in craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail
• Enjoy hands-on, repetitive production work and find satisfaction in doing it exceptionally well
• Be organized, dependable, and comfortable working independently
• Demonstrate strong food safety and sanitation practices
• Be curious, resourceful, and eager to grow with an emerging company

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with gelatin-based confections, pâte de fruit, caramel, nougat, chocolate, or other specialty confections
• Culinary, pastry, baking, or food science coursework
• Experience in a commercial kitchen, bakery, or specialty food production environment
• Familiarity with small-batch manufacturing and production equipment
• Interest in better-for-you foods, functional ingredients, and premium consumer products

What Makes This Different

This isn't a restaurant line cook position.

You'll be helping build a premium consumer packaged goods brand from its earliest stages.

You'll gain firsthand experience in how an innovative food product moves from handcrafted production to a scalable consumer brand, with opportunities to contribute ideas, improve processes, and take on greater responsibility as the business grows.

We're a small, ambitious company that values craftsmanship, initiative, and people who take genuine pride in their work.

Position Details

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Schedule: Part-time, with flexibility

Experience: Culinary students, recent graduates, and candidates with relevant hands-on confectionery experience are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Your resume
• A brief introduction explaining your interest in confectionery and why this opportunity appeals to you
• Photos of pastries, desserts, confections, or other food you've created (optional, but encouraged)

We'd love to meet someone who takes the craft of confectionery seriously and is excited about the opportunity to help build something special.

Pay: $16.05 - $20.17 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Profit sharing

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $20