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.

Quality Compliance Specialist

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

 

The Quality Compliance Specialist will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with FSSC 22000 requirements, internal Ferrara quality standards and own the following Compliance Pillars - Quality Training and Document Control. This role will involve collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop, implement, and maintain processes and procedures that support compliance and continuous improvement in these key areas. Go-to person at the organization for responsible compliance pillars with oversight from the Compliance Manager.

Ways you will make a difference

 

Quality Training:

 

• In collaboration with the Compliance Manager, implement a comprehensive quality training program that addresses the needs of employees at all levels.

• Utilizing review of trends and in collaboration with other parties, looks for areas of improvement in training requirements based on job roles, Ferrara requirements, and quality objectives.

• Coordinate the development of training materials, including presentations, manuals, and e-learning modules.

• Track and maintain records of training completion and competency assessments.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback mechanisms and performance metrics.

• Lead the following Quality Training Programs: Yearly Quality Academy (Quality Leadership Level Workshop), New Hire Quality Training, Competency Matrix, Annual Corporate Quality Training.

 

Document Control:

 

• Maintain a strong Document Control portal.

• Evaluate that all Quality and Food Safety Documents are up to date, accessible to any applicable parties, and confidential per existing regulation.

• Ensure all documents adhere to any GFSI and regulatory schemes.

• Coordinate and train all needed staff on the use of the document portal.

• Coordinate with IT and all other relevant stakeholders in the maintenance of a strong and functioning Document Portal.

 

Compliance Management:

 

• Stay informed about relevant regulations, standards, and industry best practices related to quality compliance, including but not limited to FDA regulations, ISO standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

• Interpret and communicate regulatory requirements to internal stakeholders and ensure adherence to applicable standards and guidelines.

• Participate in cross-functional teams to assess compliance risks and develop mitigation strategies.

 

Compliance Team Cross Training/Back- Up:

 

• Serve as a backup for other members of the compliance team as needed, providing support during periods of high workload, absences, or emergencies.

• Collaborate with other departments to identify opportunities for cross-functional training and knowledge sharing.

• Preform other related duties as assigned.

Skills that will make you successful

 

  • Strong understanding of Management of Change processes and principles.

• Experience developing and delivering quality training programs.

• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality systems – FSSC 22000, continuous improvement and problem solving.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.

• Proven ability to lead and influence teams to achieve compliance objectives.

• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience in quality program implementation and maintenance

• Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast paced, changing environment.

• Project Management and Organization Skills

• Auditing experience (internal, supplier or third party), certified auditor under a GFSI standard and is a plus.

• Ability to strategize for the team.

• Can prioritize multiple assignments and changing priorities.

Experiences that will support your success

 

• B.S. Degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or another related field.

• Experience in food, pharmaceutical or agricultural processing

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.