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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.

Sr. Manager, Process Engineering

Job Location: ​Bellwood​

This role is based out of our Maywood Drive location in Bellwood and will be a hybrid in-person role. This role will require onsite visits to our manufacturing plants. 

Want to make an impact?

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Process Engineering, this individual will organize, execute, and lead key process optimization, troubleshooting, and implementation activities for the Sugar (confections) portfolio. 

Ways you will make a difference

  • Provide process leadership and troubleshooting services for processing equipment, network moves, quality issues, Food Safety concerns, EHS needs, and Sustainability initiatives.
  • Scope and execute process efficiency initiatives leading to cost savings
  • Partner and work closely with PMO, Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Packaging, Quality, etc. to support tech evaluation, process design, industrialization, and long term technology expertise. 
  • Seek out and evaluate equipment and technology solutions from network of vendors
  • Create plans that are proactively focused on solutions that work within our manufacturing facilities and will not negatively impact scrap, run rates, etc. and keeping key stakeholders abreast of progress throughout the project
  • Scope and execute work streams & trials and use results to progress projects.
  • Provide robust technical recommendations on technology and process conditions. 
  • Build technical expertise in the sugar category by networking with subject matter experts within the company and externally.
  • Provide guidance into project timelines to ensure required equipment and resources are available for use. 
  • Lead and implement new programs and protocols related to process engineering.
  • Compile plans related to and lead qualification of equipment installs in production environments and participate in production scale equipment FATs.
  • Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
  • Conducts assigned work in a safe manner and adheres to Ferrara safety methods.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills that will make you successful

  • Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution.
  • Very strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence with integrity through persuasive communication to win support at more senior levels within Engineering, R&D, Operations and Supply Chain, and to build effective relationships with a  wide range of stakeholders.
  • Good technical, analytical, and communication skills; ability to interpret data and distil into useful and actionable information.
  • Mastery of certain processing technologies related to food/pharma/bio product manufacturing
  • Expertise in areas such as: sanitation, LOTO, control logic, and maintenance
  • Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving CPG environments.
  • Quickly analyze complex problems to find actionable pragmatic solutions and constructive action plan.
  • Able to inspire passion and creativity around shared goals with colleagues, and support an environment of achievement, recognition, and celebration.
  • Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practices, and solutions.
  • 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.
  • Highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office), statistical software experience a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines.
  • Previous experience dealing with multiple equipment vendors and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Experiences that will support your success

  • B.S. in Food Process Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field. M.S., P.E.  or PhD preferred.
  • Confectionary experience a plus.
  • This role is based in the Chicagoland area, but the candidate must be willing to work flexible hours on occasion and travel as necessary to internal and external facilities to support manufacturing line trials.
  • Valid driving license is required.
  • Availability to travel 10-20% of time and higher when required.
     

 

#LI-AG1

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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