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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.

Head of Quality, Regulatory and Food Safety

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The technically deep and experienced leader will be responsible for the definition of the overall Quality and Food Safety system at Ferrara and oversee quality, regulatory and food safety along the entire value chain (from product design to commercialization, including third parties), ensuring safe, responsible, sustainable, compliant product excellence that delivers the highest consumer experiences. The leader will ensure a continuous improvement of Quality and Food Safety standards within Ferrara, leveraging internal and external expertise, relating with all key stakeholders to enhance commitment, identifying and sponsoring required investments. The Head of Quality, Regulatory & Food Safety will provide support to:

•Marketing and Sales development, with legal advice on claims, communications, presentation and advertising.
•R&D for the launch of new products and to constantly monitor and reduce risk levels on products, processes, and new developments.

This position reports to the Chief Manufacturing Officer.

The role is based in Chicago, Illinois and will require 25-30% travel to Ferrara facilities, supplier facilities, and customer sites.

Ways you will make a difference

Following are examples but not fully representative of the responsibilities and areas of impact.

Quality & Food Safety
•Actively contributes to the development of the Food Safety & Quality function in full alignment with Ferrara’s values & functions.
•Ensures the development of projects related to Quality and Food Safety improvements.
•Manages critical issues that have emerged in relation to Food Safety & Quality, interfacing with other business functions.

Food Law
•Explore the global/local food law framework, by checking and constantly verifying the best sources available (Trade Associations, Law Firms, Consultancies, Websites, Online services, etc.).
•Ensure compliance with local food legislation, also with the contribute of local legal colleagues and/or external consultants/law firms.
•Provide input to the Institutional Affairs & Corporate Communication Function concerning the food legislations.

Food Regulatory
•Build and maintains credible relationships with regulatory authorities, supported by the Institutional Affairs & Corporate Communication Function
•Define the regulatory strategy for product development (including ethical certifications and sanitary registrations, where needed) in alignment with business requirements.
•Provide regulatory intelligence and guidance in product development, taking into consideration new regulatory trends and product safety issues.

Budget Management
•Define and ensures the proper management of the Function budget in line with business objectives.
•Monitor costs against plans.

Skills that will make you successful

•Able to lead a geographically dispersed team
•Strong verbal and written communication skills at multiple levels: senior customer executives, senior leadership team of Ferrara, auditors, regulators
•Proven, pragmatic problem-solver in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
•Able to define and rapidly implement improvement projects with cross-functional teams
•Knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), specifically the ability to sponsor/lead the Quality Pillar
•Familiarity with starch molded confections and panning processes
•Familiarity with allergen programs (nut, wheat, dairy)

Experiences that will support your success

•BA/BS degree in a Life Science, Engineering, or Physical Science
•Advanced technical degree or MBA preferred
•Certifications: Six Sigma Black Belt, CQM, CQA, CQE preferred
•15+ years’ experience across R&D, Supply Chain, and Quality roles in food products companies
•3+ years leading a world-class Quality function

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.