Chocolate Production - Master Operator

Established in 1915 and run by fourth generation Haigh’s family, Haigh’s Chocolates is the oldest family-owned chocolate maker in Australia. The company currently employs over 900 people across its retail and online stores, three factories, and head office, and will be expanding from 22 to 26 retail stores in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra by the end of 2026.

Haigh’s prides itself on being a chocolate ‘bean to bar’ specialist, committed to the art of premium chocolate making, roasting cocoa beans to create a unique blend of milk and dark chocolate. Haigh’s are the largest Australian importer of raw cocoa beans, ethically sourced from cocoa plantations around the world, using only the finest and freshest ingredients.

Through meticulous artisan skills that include handmade chocolate creation and finishing, combined with advanced manufacturing equipment and techniques, Haigh’s creates exquisite chocolates that look and taste delicious.

A fantastic opportunity has become available for a Chocolate Production – Master Operator to join the team at our Chocolate Production facility. The role involves working day shift from Monday to Friday, spanning from 5:30am to 1:45pm.

Under the guidance of the Chocolate and Manufacturing Support Supervisor, we are in search of a dedicated and driven individual capable of showcasing proficiency in sound technical principles, as well as a solid understanding of safe and efficient operational standards with the ability to work as part of a small team environment. This includes familiarity with lean principles and competitive manufacturing practices and ensuring the maintenance of very high-quality standards.

 Key Responsibilities Include:

• Roasting cocoa beans and processing the chocolate.
• Execution of production plan.
• Exceptional hygiene cleaning standards for maintaining the work area and equipment to meet audit requirements (this is a significant part of the role).
• Effective reinforcement of the importance of the WHS Policy and Procedures in the production environment.
• Technical proficiency in controlling PLC computer systems.
• Adept knowledge of efficiency requirements, including a willingness to undergo lean principle training.
• Identifying and reporting plant and equipment maintenance issues.
• Receiving and receipting in / out chocolate, raw materials, and processing in QAD.  

Skills and Experience: 

• Problem-solving skills, the ability to troubleshoot and make methodical decisions in a time-critical environment.
• A demonstration of a high degree of mechanical aptitude along with excellent analytical skills and a keen eye for detail.
• A comprehensive understanding of the technical principles utilised by the equipment.
• Autonomous work capability and effective teamwork.
• Strong communication skills.
• Comfort and competence in working at heights.
• Physical endurance for working in a demanding environment.
• Possession of a forklift, elevated work platform, and knuckle boom license (or a willingness to obtain).
•  An engineering or processing background (batch plants, boilers, beverage manufacturing etc.) and/or chocolate making experience is desirable, but not essential.

Haigh's believes that by valuing differences in backgrounds, cultures, abilities and experiences, that our work environment will be free from bias and prejudice.  We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for those with disability to provide a positive barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

If you’re looking for your next challenge, apply today!