Why the UK’s chocolate industry could be a sweet career option with vacancies to fill as 8million of us eat it every day
CALLING all wannabe Willy Wonkas! The UK’s chocolate industry is serving up sweet job opportunities.
With 456 chocolate and confectionery producers — up 2.5 per cent on 2022 — business is booming.
And it’s little wonder as Brits scoff an average of 8.1kg of chocolate a year, with Easter the busiest time as 80MILLION eggs are sold.
Research from Mintel shows that 8million of us eat chocolate every day, with demand showing no sign of letting up.
So that means lots of jobs in the industry.
These may be with big-name firms such as Mars and Cadbury, or with artisan producers, high-end chocolate shops and even “experiences” such as chocolate-making and history-of- chocolate tours.
Lizzy Dinsdale, 33, works in product development at Mars Wrigley, whose brands include Snickers, Maltesers, M&M’s and Twix.
She joined 12 years ago on a graduate programme.
Lizzy, from Reading, said: “I research what consumers want from their favourite treats and use this to inform and influence new product ideas.
“While mixing new recipes and flavours in our test kitchen, I created an M&M that tastes exactly like a hot cross bun.
“Another element of my job involves exploring the future of chocolate and thinking about how people will be enjoying it in years to come.
“Doing something that you love is so important.
“I am lucky enough to be in an industry I love, in a role I love.”
Wages range from around £18,000 for shop staff to £60,000 heading research and development to create new bars and flavours.
Quality control and production positions typically pay from £21,000 to £30,000, but senior managers for the biggest firms can command six-figure salaries.
Almost every major UK chocolate firm is currently recruiting.
To make an impression, learn the basics of chocolate production and consider why you are passionate about the industry.
Potential employers and where to contact them include . . .
- careers.mars.com
- lindt.co.uk/careers
- hotelchocolat.com/uk/careers.html
- montezumas.co.uk/join-the-team
- mondelezinternational.com/careers/
- kinnerton.com/pages/careers
- barry-callebaut.com/en-GB/group/careers
RESTAURANT and cafe bar chain Loungers is opening 34 new sites nationwide and taking on 1,000 staff.
Vacancies range from chefs and kitchen staff to front of house and managers.
Perks include shares in the company, structured career development and an invite to LoungeFest, the company’s own festival.
Chief people officer Guy Youll said: “One of our key aspirations is we want everyone to thoroughly enjoy their time with us.
“We’re proud of the feedback we get from our team members, that they feel they can be themselves at work and love the teams they work with.”
Apply at loungers.co.uk/careers.
Jobspot
AVIATION specialist Marshall Aerospace has more than 70 roles, including flight service operatives and skilled paint sprayers. To learn more, search at marshallgroup.co.uk/careers
TIME TO KNOW RIGHTS
THE clocks go forward an hour this weekend, but how does it affect workers on night shift?
Alan Price, CEO of HR software provider BrightHR, explains what you need to know.
Unlike when the clocks go back in October, employers do not need to be concerned about the risk of paying under the minimum wage or breaking working-time rules.
But staff will technically be working an hour less due to the clock change.
For example, someone on an eight-hour shift will actually only work for seven hours if they’re on duty at the time the clocks go forward. Whether the employer will need to pay for a full eight-hour shift in this situation will depend on the contract of employment.
A contract may say that an employee is entitled to hourly pay for every hour they work. But those on a regular salary will usually get the normal amount regardless of whether they do an hour less.
Organisations can choose how they treat this hour lost, subject to contractual entitlements.
They may decide that all employees must work an extra hour to make it up. One rule should apply to all.
For Sunday’s shift, staff should be reminded that the clocks are going forward and encouraged to prepare for this.
Lateness rises by an average of 24 per cent following the spring clock change. It can be costly for a company and bosses might discipline staff who don’t show up on time.
GET your career motoring with the RAC.
The firm is taking on 320 new staff, including mobile mechanics for breakdown assistance.
Applicants need to be over 18, with a valid UK driving licence and hold at least a Level 2 NVQ in vehicle mechanics and maintenance.
Paul Coward, CEO of the RAC’s servicing and repair division, said: “You’ll need great customer service skills and the ability to problem-solve.
“In return, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary and benefits, get to use the latest vehicle technology, receive expert RAC training and wear the famous RAC uniform.”
Apply at rac-careers.com
Jobspot
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC needs 74 apprentices in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, IT and marketing roles. See tinyurl.com/3ra2j4kb.