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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.

Food Safety & Compliance Expert

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 Food Safety & Compliance Expert works with the Food Safety Director to design, implement, and manage corporate food safety programs for ingredients and packaging. The Food Safety & Compliance Expert works with the Regulatory team to ensure compliance with applicable international regulations for ingredients, finished products, and food-contact packaging materials.

Ways you will make a difference

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

▪ Conducts risk assessments for all new ingredients, products, processes and packaging intended for sale in internatinal markets.

▪ Reviews existing product formulas for compliance with international food safety regulations.

▪ Develops and manages Ferrara corporate food safety compliance programs including ongoing monitoring of the Chemical Contaminants Surveillance program and Food Safety Packaging Compliance program.

▪ Keeps abreast of emerging international issues and regulations in food safety and effectively communicates to relevant cross-functional stakeholders.

▪ Escalates to the food safety and regulatory directors all deviations in compliance related to global ingredients and packaging.

▪ Ensures implementation of global food safety programs, monitors and trends food safety Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for compliance and process effectiveness.

▪ Serves as subject matter expert for food safety during roll-out of all PLM projects, updates, and enhancements.

▪ Leads quarterly share-out of global regulatory compliance updates with regulatory partners.

▪ Perform other duties that may be deemed necessary and assigned by the Good Safety Director.

Skills that will make you successful

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

▪ HACCP certified for both food and packaging

▪ PCQI certified

▪ In-depth knowledge of international laws and regulations related to ingredients and packaging materials

▪ Proven food safety technical experience in food manufacturing

▪ Demonstrates strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills

▪ Strong organization skills

Strong communications skills, both written and verbal, to effectively implement and facilitate adherence to new programs

Experiences that will support your success

▪ Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, or other relevant degree

▪ Master’s degree preferred

▪ Minimum 5 years of experience in food safety

▪ Proficiency in HACCP and FSMA

▪ Strong knowledge of manufacturing and quality practices

▪ Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

▪ Bilingual/Spanish Speaking a plus

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

The salary range for this position is $80,325 to $112,455 annually.

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