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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.

Sr. Manager, R&D Process Engineering

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

Reporting to the Director R&D Process Engineering, this individual will manage a team of engineers to develop and execute key strategic process engineering initiatives for the Global Sugar (confections) portfolio. Projects will be related to innovation, renovation, quality improvement, new technologies, network moves, margin management, among others.

This position is located in downtown Chicago at the Old Post Office.

Travel between 20% - 40% is required.

Ways you will make a difference

Lead team of 3 to 5 engineers to execute process development activities for R&D initiatives: creating test plans, running pilot and full-scale trials, performing data analysis, generating process specifications & process manuals, and providing technical expertise/troubleshooting guidance.
Lead the identification & evaluation of processing technologies and provide technical solutions to support the creation and execution of the 3 year and 5+ year strategic pipelines.
Create new opportunities for enhanced manufacturing capabilities by modifying complex processes that expand product formats and improve efficiencies.
Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Packaging functions, etc. toward successful planning, scale up, and execution of all initiatives.
Build technical expertise in the sugar category by networking with subject matter experts within the company and externally.
Provide guidance into R&D project timelines to ensure required equipment and resources are available for use.
Manage stakeholders under tight timelines with multiple scope changes and directives from cross-functional directors’ and executives’ inputs.
Identify gaps in business programs and processes related to process engineering and lead continuous improvement solutions, maintaining as appropriate.
Train and coach junior and senior engineers on new technical and organizational skills, providing guidance on technical direction and project execution.
Understand and demonstrate the Company’s core values.
Conduct assigned work in a safe manner and adhere to Ferrara safety methods.

Skills that will make you successful

Strong technical and interpersonal coaching and/or mentoring skills.
Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution.
Very strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence with integrity through persuasive communication to win support at more senior levels within R&D, Operations and Supply Chain, and to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Good technical, analytical, and communication skills; ability to interpret data and distil into useful and actionable information.
Mastery of certain processing technologies related to food/pharma/bio product manufacturing
Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving CPG environments.
Quickly analyze complex problems to find actionable pragmatic solutions and constructive action plan.
Able to inspire passion and creativity around shared goals with direct reports and colleagues, and support an environment of achievement, recognition, and celebration.
Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practices, and solutions.
Adopt a positive, inclusive work environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their contributions.
Strive for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes, and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
Previous experience dealing with multiple equipment vendors and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Experiences that will support your success

B.S. in Food Process Engineering, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field. M.S., P.E. or PhD preferred.
Minimum 7-10 years’ experience in a CPG R&D or Manufacturing Role, confectionary experience a plus.
2+ years people management experience preferred.
This role is based in the Chicagoland area, but the candidate must be willing to work flexible hours on occasion and travel as necessary to internal and external facilities.
Valid driving license is required.
Availability to travel 20-40% of time when required.

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 @ https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $112,400 - $157,400 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.