Food Development and Production Manager

About Us:

We are an innovative chocolate company and part of a community interest company based in Scotland, dedicated to producing high-quality bean-to-bar chocolate while fostering sustainable cocoa farming practices.

Our strong partnership with cocoa producers in Ghana is central to our mission, and we aim to bring exceptional cocoa products to customers in the UK and worldwide, promoting ethical and transparent sourcing, whilst harnessing wholesale accounts through cocoa bean sales.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a motivated Development and Production Manager to lead the growth of our wholesale cocoa sales, develop marketing strategies, and expand our product offerings for School Yard Kitchen. This role will involve overseeing product development, managing the production process, maintaining the warehouse and logistics, handling online sales and customer relations, and representing the company at industry events to promote our bean-to-bar chocolate, with a special emphasis on our partnerships with cocoa producers in Ghana.

Key Responsibilities:

Trade & Wholesale customers

• Identify and nurture relationships with potential trade/wholesale customers which ultimately will lead to them buying from us.
• Work with and promote the values of our business and ensure that our message is central to our commercial activities.
• Determine appropriate price points that maximise our investment whilst ensuring value for customers.
• Represent the organisation at specialist events to promote our products and our mission.

Product Development and Production:

• Lead the development of the School Yard Kitchen chocolate range and new bean-to-bar chocolate varieties.
• Oversee the entire bean-to-bar process, including winnowing, roasting, melanging, and tempering.
• Ensure consistency and quality throughout each stage of production, from bean selection to finished product.
• Ensure high-quality standards and innovative product offerings.

Sales and Customer Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with cocoa customers to drive sales growth and market expansion.
• Develop and Implement strategies to expand the customer base in the UK and internationally, enhancing brand visibility and market presence.
• Manage customer inquiries, orders, and invoices

Marketing and Promotion:

• Create and execute marketing strategies to promote our cocoa and chocolate products across multiple channels, including social media, email campaigns, and public relations.
• Champion the importance of bean-to-bar chocolate and sustainable sourcing practices, particularly highlighting our relationship with cocoa farmers in Ghana.
• Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities to build brand awareness.

Logistics and Warehouse Management:

• Coordinate logistics and transportation for both domestic and international orders, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Ensure the appropriate quality standards are adhered to in all aspects of the cocoa storage, distribution, production and resale
• Oversee warehouse operations to maintain optimal storage conditions for cocoa and chocolate products.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Passion for chocolate, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Proven experience in product development, production management, and sales, ideally within the food or chocolate industry.
• Strong knowledge of marketing strategies, including digital marketing, social media, and public relations.
• Experience with logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management.
• Familiarity with SALSA, Soil Association, and Flocert standards and auditing processes.