Expert, Contract Manufacturing

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 Expert, Contract Manufacturing is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all Quality Assurance programs across Ferrara’s 3PM (3rd Part Manufacturing) network. This role provides technical expertise and leadership to ensure compliance with Ferrara’s Quality and Food Safety Management Systems, FSMA, regulatory requirements, and customer and consumer expectations. The professional leverages tools such as auditing, data analysis, trend evaluation, and coaching to drive continuous improvement and achieve business goals.

This position requires strong technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders both within Ferrara and across external manufacturing partners.

Approximately 50% travel is required, with up to 70% based on business needs. Travel includes U.S., Mexico, Canada, and potentially other countries. 

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of Ferrara’s Quality and Food Safety Management Systems at Ferrara and Customer 3PMs.

• Manage approvals, compliance, and performance of Ferrara and Customer’s 3PMs. 

• Ensure systems, procedures, and controls deliver consistent product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Drive the development and implementation of the Contract Manufacturing Expectations Manual, finished product specifications, and related training materials and programs.

• Plan and conduct audits of existing and prospective Ferrara and Customer 3PMs; issue timely reports and drive corrective action follow-up and closure.

• Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Food Safety, Legal, and external partners on technical problem-solving, new product launches, and supplier onboarding.

• Support commercialization projects and activities at Ferrara 3PMs including on-site quality verification during first production events to ensure compliance from day one. 

• Validate new food safety processes for emerging technologies.

• Coordinate resolution of quality issues including corrective action plans, technical summaries, management reviews, and inventory disposition.

• Provide technical support during 3PM–related product recalls or withdrawals.

• Investigate and resolve customer and consumer product quality concerns.

• Report key quality, food safety, and compliance metrics to Ferrara’s leadership team; lead updates on project progress and improvement initiatives.

• Analyze KPI trends to identify risks, improvement opportunities, and alignment with Ferrara’s quality and business objectives.

• Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives to reduce complaints, improve product quality, and strengthen food safety and regulatory compliance.

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Experiences that will support your success

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field (required).

• FSMA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification.

• HACCP certification.

• GFSI-benchmarked scheme auditor certification.

Career Experience:

• Minimum 7 years in food manufacturing operations, including 3–5 years in a factory QA role (manager-level experience preferred).

• Implementation experience with GFSI-recognized quality and food safety systems (FSSC22000, BRC, SQF, or equivalent).

• Proven track record of leading audits, managing corrective actions, and driving continuous improvement.

• Experience supporting commercialization activities and managing external manufacturing relationships.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Proven working knowledge of food safety and quality systems, food regulations, specifications, statistical analysis, and food manufacturing processes.

• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills; ability to influence and collaborate across functions and organizations.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Detail-oriented and results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Proficiency in SAP and Windows-based applications 

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

$85,680 - $128,520 yearly