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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Pilot Plant Technician

Job Location: ​Bellwood​

Bellwood

Want to make an impact?

This individual will operate pilot plant equipment, clean and sanitize equipment as well as the facility, and ensure the safe working and operation of equipment and environment.

Ways you will make a difference

  • Operation of various processing equipment (confectionary equipment) producing various samples for internal and external use as requested by R&D.
  • Assist in maintaining equipment in good sanitary and working condition.
  • Execute trials on pilot scale equipment.
  • Follow CIP and COP procedures.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary work area (cleaning floors, walk in coolers, sinks, etc. when necessary) including proper documentation.
  • Adhere to GMP and other safety regulations.
  • Organize supplies and maintain records of all inventories (chemical/equipment/ingredients).
  • Maintain security and confidentiality of information within the research and development and quality group.
  • Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
  • Conducts assigned work in a safe manner and adheres to Ferrara safety methods.
  • Support Intech lab, Itasca lab based on need per manager discretion.

Other ways to make a difference

  • Performs other duties as assigned.
    • Chemical testing: ATP, Pathogens, Allergens (soy, diary, wheat, gluten, etc.)
    • Alchemy and food safety training
    • Key member of Safety team as sugar representative
    • UW Online candy school
    • Food Safety Compliance team
    • Warehouse labelling, organization, and tracking
    • Waste Tracker Form
    • Putting together action plans for agreed upon improvements
    • Ordering of ingredients and raw material (as well as tracking)
    • Daily, Weekly, Monthly Checklist

Skills that will make you successful

  • General mechanical abilities up to and including using complex tools.
  • Good ability to use constructive communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to operate and maintain equipment safely.
  • Ability to use complex equipment in an effective manner.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to foster a positive team environment.
  • Self-starter, self-motivating.
  • Experience in Quality and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP’s) in a food processing environment.
  • Ability to maintain a safe working environment through proper housekeeping and safety practices.
  • Adopt a positive, inclusive work environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their contributions.
  • Strive for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes, and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines.

Experiences that will support your success

  • Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
  • Exposure to hazards (steam, chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, etc.).

 

Preferred Skills
 

  • Bachelor’s or Associate degree
  • Supervisory/management experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Microsoft Office
  • Spanish Language Skills
  • Operating confectionary equipment

 

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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