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 is centered around our five fundamental values: Honesty and Integrity, Responsibility and Accountability, A Positive Will-Do Attitude, Commitment to Self-Improvement, & Respect for Others. If you possess a strong work ethic, enjoy a vibrant work environment, and have a fondness for indulging in the finest fudge worldwide, this position could be an ideal fit for you.

Job Summary:

In this crucial role within our Quality & Food Safety Team, you will be responsible for applying food science principles in research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, labeling and utilization of foods as it relates to confectionery products. This position will develop methods to improve the quality of Calico’s current and future product offerings, such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods. Additionally, this role with be responsible for all new product innovation and tracking of market flavor trends as it pertains to Fudge & Nuts including new formats. This role will also test new products in the test kitchen and externally as needed, and develop specific processing methods in laboratory pilot, conferring with the in-house production team, as well as external flavor experts, packaging and marketing specialists to resolve problems.

Responsibilities:

• Review and assess food labels and formulations for compliance with applicable government regulations, Calico Quality Standards, and customer requirements. Support the ongoing evolution of FDA and Labeling requirements.
• Provide accurate nutritional information of fudge and nut recipes to our customers using Genesis.
• Completely manage and keep up to date Genesis and Bartender labeling system.
• Provide technical support to customers and Team Members in support of product compliance with Quality Standards and Labeling Requirements including completing customer questionaries.
• Work productively within a process-driven database system to track review process and status.
• Develop detailed testing plans that outline the objective of test, testing methodologies, pass/fail criteria, outcome hypothesis and an executive summary.
• Document all testing protocols and processes, including test execution and outcomes for each test executed.
• Utilize food science to identify alternative ingredients to develop new formulations to create comparable and safe alternatives to Calico’s product lines.
• Identify, test and document equivalent alternative flavors, colors, and add-ins for existing Calico product offerings.
• Identify New Ingredients-Identify, test and document new ingredient items used to produce Fudge and Glazed Nuts that will extend recipe options for the innovation team.
• Perform shelf-life studies for ingredients, ready to eat items, and packaging to develop documented standards for shelf life that provide a safe food with the highest quality for our customers or their consumers.
• Innovation Lead working on new flavor concepts through various tools and making fudge for Marketing/Photography.
• Utilizing formulations, work with the production team to develop documented processes for manufacturing that adhere to SQF guidelines while maintaining the Calico standard of quality.
• Participate in Food Safety activities as needed.
• Internal Audit Team member conducting 2-3 audits per year.
• Incubator & refrigerator Log monitoring-To regulate that these machines are calibrated right to function at the proper temperatures.
• Label audits from Receiving-To make sure all labels we receive are up to date and all information is accurate.
• Manage QC lab conducting Moisture & Texture Analysis-To test the moisture for shelf-life of the fudge.
• Manage sensory evaluation and data collection and dissemination.
• Equipment calibration- Thermometer calibration & Scale Calibration, twice per month.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related Applied Science field of study strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years direct experience in food product regulatory compliance preferred.

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

• Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Visio, Bar Tender and ESHA Genesis experience a plus.
• Strong technical knowledge of ingredients, raw materials, and packing in an FDA regulated facility.
• General food laboratory experience and expertise with analytical and subjective testing utilizing scientific methodology.
• Able to communicate technical and regulatory information to a broad audience including manufacturing associates, buyers, research and development associates and management.
• Familiarity with USDA National Organic Program regulations, GMO labeling standards and programs, and the natural products industry.

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

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

What makes Calico different from other companies?

• Ice Cream Fridays during fair weather months
• On-Site Gym including free fitness classes and personal training with a professional trainer
• Wellness Events including a flu shot clinic held annually on-site
• Birthday & Holiday Celebrations held to foster fun and team interaction
• Employee Appreciation Events with great food, fun and team building for all team members and their families
• Charity Drives held throughout the year to give all Calico team members an opportunity to support our local community
• Sporting Event ticket raffles to NY Islanders Hockey and US Tennis Open
• Employee Referral Program rewards employees for referring qualified new hires to Calico
• 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, Inc. team!

Job Type: Full-time/Hourly

Work Location: In Office in Amityville, NY

Salary: $29.00 - $34.00/Hour

Calico Cottage, Inc. 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.