Full Time Chocolatier

About Dark Sugars

Dark Sugars Chocolates is an independent artisan chocolate company based in London, known for our handcrafted chocolates, truffles, chocolate pearls and rich hot chocolates.

We are looking for an experienced, passionate and highly organised Chocolatier to join our team on a full-time basis and play a key role in our chocolate production and kitchen operations.

This is a hands-on position suited to someone who is confident in chocolate production but who also has the experience and organisational skills required to help manage a busy production kitchen.

The Role

As our Chocolatier, you will be responsible for producing our range of chocolates to a consistently high standard while helping oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the production kitchen.

You will work closely with the wider Dark Sugars team to ensure production targets are met, quality remains consistent and the kitchen operates efficiently, safely and hygienically.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce chocolates, truffles, ganaches, pralines, fillings and other chocolate products to a consistently high standard.
• Confidently temper, mould, fill, decorate and finish chocolate products.
• Manage chocolate production from preparation through to finished product.
• Plan and organise daily and weekly production according to stock levels, orders and business requirements.
• Maintain consistency in recipes, portioning, appearance and overall product quality.
• Oversee the organisation and day-to-day running of the production kitchen.
• Manage ingredients and production stock, including monitoring stock levels and reducing unnecessary waste.
• Ensure products are correctly stored, labelled and rotated.
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and food safety.
• Ensure allergen procedures and cross-contamination controls are followed carefully.
• Maintain appropriate production and food-safety records.
• Help train, supervise and support other members of the kitchen and production team.
• Identify production issues and work proactively to resolve them.
• Assist with larger corporate, seasonal and bespoke chocolate orders.
• Work with the management team on improving production processes, efficiency and product quality.
• Support the development and testing of new chocolate products when required.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous professional experience producing chocolate is essential.
• Strong practical knowledge of chocolate tempering and handling.
• Experience producing products such as truffles, ganaches, moulded chocolates, pralines or similar confectionery.
• Previous kitchen management, production management or supervisory experience.
• A good understanding of food hygiene, allergens, HACCP and safe food handling.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to plan production and work efficiently during busy periods.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in presentation and consistency.
• The confidence to work independently and take responsibility for the kitchen when required.
• A positive, reliable and hands-on approach.
• The ability to work well as part of a small, busy team.

Professional pastry or chocolatier training would be an advantage, but we are particularly interested in candidates with strong practical chocolate-making experience and proven kitchen or production management skills.

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to become an important part of the Dark Sugars team and work hands-on with artisan chocolate in a growing independent London business.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take ownership of production, contribute ideas and help us continue developing the quality and consistency of our chocolate range.

Pay: £25,420.00-£31,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person