Careers

Director of Sales

COMPANY BACKGROUND

At Taza Chocolate we make stone ground, organic chocolate. We want our cacao’s complex flavors to shout loud and proud. That is why we stone grind cacao beans into minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted.

JOB SUMMARY

Taza is organized into two divisions: Production and Operations. The Director of Sales is the top-level role on the Sales & Marketing team and a member of the Leadership Team.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales & Sales Team Management

- While managing and developing our existing natural, specialty and conventional retail channel sales, develop and execute on plans for national growth in the Natural, conventional and specialty channels
- Take a leadership role in the organization by building and managing a successful and well synchronized sales team in a way that is aligned with our company mission, purpose, and core values
- Coordinate distributor relationships and gain new distribution and increased penetration according to plan, via distribution of new skus and product introductions
- Generate, support and evaluate meaningful goals with Sales Team that have obvious paths to achievement through project-based effort

Forecasting & Analysis

- Project rolling 18 month growth forecast for sales by product line, and manage related sales plans
- Analyze the marketplace and competitive environment to identify opportunities based on trends and syndicated data

Major Account Development & Management

- Develop and manage major accounts list for managing growth and opening new major accounts
- Optimize revenue generation by ensuring sales & marketing support is being applied appropriately (follow up, demos, promotions, reporting, etc). Work closely with the Marketing team
- Manage, train and lead broker networks and all key distributor and retailer business initiatives, including implementation of national and regional growth strategies, key account targeting and management of trade spending budgets
- Cultivate and manage key relationships with priority trade partners

Sales Development & Marketing Coordination

- Participate in the development of overall strategies for establishing partnerships and business relationships to market our products based on historical data, market research and customer trends
- Collaborate with Production, Marketing and Product Development teams in the development and execution of strategies and plans
- Identify and develop business growth opportunities within new sales and marketing channels
- Provide support to Managing, Marketing, and Manufacturing Directors in negotiations, due diligence and business development projects
- Partner with the marketing team in the planning of promotions and advertising, demo programs and trade shows

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

- Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
- 7+ years of experience in the natural/specialty food products category
- 5+ years of experience in a sales management role
- Extensive experience in sales and marketing, preferably with experience expanding distribution at food companies in the natural and organic categories
- Strong knowledge of the food industry / grocery aisle
- Demonstrated ability to implement sales plans, manage broker networks, and bring new and innovative products to market
- Strong leadership & management skills, with experience growing a sales organization
- Excellent written and verbal communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and close business in meetings and training environments
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to travel

Interested candidates should send a resumé and cover letter to careers@tazachocolate.com or click here to fill out our job application.

No calls, please.

Chocolate Guide

At Taza Chocolate we make stone ground, organic chocolate. We want our cacao's complex flavors to shout loud and proud. That is why we stone grind cacao beans into minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted.

Are you a food nerd who loves to know how things are made? Do you enjoy engaging with the public and sharing delicious food? Our Chocolate Guides are team players who exemplify the Grit, Boldness and Wicked High Standards that Taza values. They are passionate about customer service and value the opportunity to share Taza’s story with our guests.

In a given shift, a Chocolate Guide is responsible for two jobs - Tour Guide and Customer Service Associate. As a Tour Guide, they give interesting, exciting, engaging 45-minute tours of our manufacturing facility, teaching guests about how cacao is grown, our unique Direct Trade program that brings it to us, and our manufacturing process. As a Customer Service Associate, they answer questions about products, offer samples, and ring purchases up using the in-store POS system, as well as completing housekeeping tasks in the store throughout the day. The ideal candidate for the Chocolate Guide role is excited to combine both these roles into one!

We have both part time and full time opportunities. Hours for the position are determined by the Taza retail schedule, and defined by the Retail Manager. Taza's factory store and tour businesses currently operates Monday - Friday, 11am-6pm, and Saturday - Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Interested candidates should send a resumé and cover letter to careers@tazachocolate.com or click here to fill out our job application.

No calls, please.

CHOCOLATE MAKER

At Taza Chocolate we make stone ground, organic chocolate. We want our cacao’s complex flavors to shout loud and proud. That is why we stone grind cacao beans into minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted.

Taza is organized into two divisions: Production & Operations. The Chocolate Maker performs an important role on the Production team. This position will be involved with all aspects of the day-to-day factory operations. The job will include, but not be limited to roasting cacao beans, grinding and refining chocolate, depositing chocolate into molds, handling cooling chocolate, washing molds, and wrapping chocolate products as needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

- Roasting cacao beans and nuts
- Grinding and refining chocolate
- Depositing chocolate into molds
- Handling cooling chocolate
- Panning, canning, and bagging product
- Wrapping and packaging chocolate products
- General factory cleaning
- Washing chocolate molds and small equipment
- Comply with Taza’s Good Manufacturing Practices
- Additional ad hoc duties as required

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

- 1 year of Machine Operating experience

Full-time employees are eligible for Taza’s full benefit package after a 90-day Introductory Period.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@tazachocolate.com or click here to fill out our job application.

No calls, please.

PACKAGING ASSISTANT

At Taza Chocolate we make stone ground, organic chocolate. We want our cacao’s complex flavors to shout loud and proud. That is why we stone grind cacao beans into minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted.

Taza is looking to support growing production efforts by adding more Packaging Assistants to our Manufacturing team. Duties include, but are not limited to:

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

- Wrapping and packaging chocolate products
- Washing chocolate molds and other small equipment
- Canning
- Gift assembly
- Handling cooling chocolate
- General factory cleaning
- Comply with Taza's Good Manufacturing Practices

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

Packaging Assistants must have strong verbal communication skills, attention to detail, ability to follow directions, and the ability to perform detailed handwork quickly, accurately, and consistently. This position requires frequent heavy lifting and long periods of standing on your feet, working in rooms of varying temperature, as well as performing repetitive tasks.

Packaging Assistant is the entry-level role in our production facility. There is a lot of opportunity for learning, advancement and promotion for an enthusiastic and well-performing employee. Full-time employees are eligible for Taza’s full benefit package after a 90-day Introductory Period.

The Taza Chocolate Factory currently operates Monday-Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm. Positions are available on both production shifts (7:00am-3:30pm and 10:30am-7:00pm).

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@tazachocolate.com or click here to fill out our job application.

No calls, please.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

At Taza Chocolate we make stone ground, organic chocolate. We want our cacao's complex flavors to shout loud and proud. That is why we stone grind cacao beans into minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted.

Taza is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic team player to join its Maintenance Team! Our Maintenance Tech will be an important part of Production team, supporting Taza by maintaining all areas of the facility, but this position primarily supports our manufacturing operations. The Maintenance Technician reports directly to the Maintenance & Safety Manager.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Preventative Maintenance:

- Roaster maintenance: Greasing parts, and checking bolts, belt tension, and air ducts
- Winnower maintenance: Cleaning and greasing
- Air compressor: Changing oil and filters
- Wrapping machines: Greasing and oiling, replacing parts as necessary
- Greasing pumps in depositor and hot room

Repairs:

- Getting manufacturing equipment back in working order as quickly as possible
- Minor carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work in both production and office space
- Involvement in commissioning new factory equipment

Minor Maintenance Requests:

- Adjustments to work stations
- Assistance moving large items
- Working with the Office Manager to identify small maintenance needs

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

- 1-3 years of relevant experience
- Positive/can-do attitude, flexible, team player
- Mechanically inclined with moderate carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC knowledge
- Strong work ethic, able to make independent decisions and to prioritize effectively
- Strong verbal communication and organizational skills
- Flexibility in scheduling in case an emergency repair is needed

Full-time employees are eligible for Taza’s full benefit package after a 90-day Introductory Period.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@tazachocolate.com or click here to fill out our job application.

No calls, please.

Chocolate Barista

Are you a food nerd who loves to know how things are made? Do you enjoy engaging with the public and sharing delicious food? We are looking for an energetic, customer-service oriented Chocolate Barista to join our team, to enthusiastically take orders and make hot chocolate drinks while providing outstanding customer service and educating customers about Taza Chocolate practices and products.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

- Conduct daily opening and closing sales procedures including cash drawer reconciliation and end day Z out
- Welcome customers and answer questions about menu items and products
- Prepare and serve hot chocolate drinks
- Set up and break down tastings/sample presentation, cleaning, & re-stocking
- Contribute to the consistent maintenance and refreshment of store product merchandising
- Responsible for accurate product pricing and loss prevention
- Ensure an educational experience that provides accurate information about our
- Willingness to train on the operation of our molinos encouraged!

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must thrive in a fast-paced environment, have exceptional customer service skills (including strong verbal and written communication skills), and must be able to adapt easily to changes in workflow.

- One year of café/barista experience required
- Strong interpersonal skills
- High level of enthusiasm and self-motivation
- Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
- Flexible work schedule required including weekend and holiday availability. Peak business periods may require extended work days and work weeks
- Ability to lift and move product weighing up to 30 pounds

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Hours for the position will be determined by the hours of operation for the BPM and special events. Opening hours for the BPM are Monday - Saturday from 8am-8pm and Sunday 10am – 8pm. Morning shifts can begin as early as one hour before opening (7am) and closing shifts can end as late as 8:30 or 9pm. The employee is expected to work 32-40 hours per week.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@tazachocolate.com or click here to fill out our job application.

No calls, please.