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.

Coordinator, Specifications

Work Location: ​Chicago​

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

The Specifications Coordinator is responsible for developing and revising the product and ingredient specifications for the purposes of labeling, procurement accuracy, and regulatory compliance. This position will be a part of the Manufacturing team working closely with Product Development (InTech), Regulatory, Marketing and Project Management. There are always new innovations being created in our labs, as part of this role, the Specifications Coordinator will work with cross-functional team on bringing in new ingredients and recipes, and working with Product Development to continuously improve internal processes.

Ways you will make a difference

The Specifications Coordinator works closely with InTech, Regulatory, Commercialization, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure raw material and finished product specifications are accurate and compliant with regulations.

Understands and implements Ferrara specification data quality standards.

Creates and maintains Ferrara Internal Specifications in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Analyzes supplier documents to ensure there are no discrepancies in data within Internal Specifications.

Maintains an understanding of compliance requirements and identify gaps in existing documentation.

Makes needed revisions to specifications in a timely manner and broadcasts with relevant stakeholders (procurement, quality, commercialization, operations etc.).

Works closely Regulatory specialists and communicates updates to raw material specs to ensure updates are clearly captured in PLM.

Grow internal specification team capabilities.

Assist the product development process (new and reformulated products) to ensure regulatory and business requirements are met.

Works across functions and independently communicates with all functional and operating groups on specification and labeling related and compliance matters.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current regulations and relevant technical product and processing information.

Identifies and communicates potential operational challenges or opportunities related to new or revised specifications.

Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.

Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Specification Manager or Specifications Team Lead

Skills that will make you successful

Organized, detail-oriented, and excellent technical writing skills
Comfortable communicating with stakeholders from all levels of management
Self-directed, motivated, and good time management

Experiences that will support your success

B.S. in Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field required
2 years experience in food industry preferr
2 years experience within Regulatory, Quality, or Research and Development, CPG industry preferred

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include 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

Annual Salary of $64,720.00 to $97,080.00

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.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago