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At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

Sr. Manager, Operations

Work Location: Bellwood

Want to make an impact?

The Senior Production Manager is responsible for executing production and logistics plans. The Senior Production Manager is responsible for overall operations of the assigned shift, including: warehouse, labor relations, production, site security, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Senior Supervisor is also for responsible for facilitating projects across the plant as needed.

Ways you will make a difference

• Supervise the execution of production and logistics plans through operators and other hourly labor functions
• Participate in the development and implementation of plans and policies to ensure compliance in all areas of responsibility
• Serve as end to end support for the processing, packaging, warehouse and maintenance functions in the Operations department
• Oversee production lines in accordance with FDA guidelines, GMPs, and HACCP/SQF program guidelines
• Resolve problems and mitigate operational issues that result in negative performance
• Support Lean Training as directed by Operations Manager
• Owns regulatory compliance and food safety process, including: proper sanitary condition, allergen control, pest control, food safety policy, employee safety policies and procedures, and maintaining MCRS sustainability standards
• Participate in daily food review
• Support and execute relevant projects as needed
• Provides plantwide technical expertise, support and facilitation of products and systems
• Works with the Continuous Improvement Manager to create procedures, review LEAN activities, develop data systems and data reporting
• Ensure adherence to all standard work processes, including LEAN processes. Audits LEAN and Operational Processes
• Develop training of LEAN tools and skills. Attends Kaizen sessions within the plant to provide guidance
• Improve overall skill levels of Operators and Supervisors through training, leadership, facilitationtroubleshooting and knowledge transfer
• Responsible for managing budget of long-term process improvement projects and innovation withe supervision of the Operations Manager
• Act as Operations Manager in their absence or as needed

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity
• Independent, self-sufficient with a strong sense of urgency
• Strong problem solving, negotiating, and decision making skills
• Ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization
• Critical thinking

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum 3 years experience
• Previous manufacturing experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience working with SAP
• Understanding of GMP principles
• Process, packing, and mechanical experience strongly preferred
• Experience managing people with ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization across work functions internal and external
• Food experience a plus
• TPM experience a plus

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $112,425 to $167,000 annually.

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.