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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. Process Engineer

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

Reporting to the Manager R&D Process Engineering, this individual will organize, execute, and lead key process development and implementation activities for the Sugar (confections) portfolio. Projects will be related to renovation, innovation, quality improvement, new technologies, network moves, margin management, etc.

As part of our international expansion this role may require the ability to travel, and remain, overseas for intermittent 3-4 month periods over the next few years.

Ways you will make a difference

Lead process support for R&D initiatives: generating process/product specifications, product & process manuals, and troubleshooting guidance.
Seek out and evaluate processing technologies in support of the creation of a long term technology strategy.
Modify incredibly complex processes to create new opportunities for enhanced manufacturing capabilities
Create plans that are proactively focused on solutions that work within our manufacturing facilities and will not negatively impact, scrap, run rates, etc. and keeping key stakeholders abreast of progress throughout the project
Scope and execute work streams & trials and use results to progress projects.
Provide robust technical recommendations on technology and process conditions.
Collaborate with R&D Product Development Scientists towards the development of new product initiatives from bench to pilot scale, and into full-scale execution. Providing technological expertise, ideal process recommendations, and smooth handover to Operations.
Partner and work closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Packaging functions, etc. toward successful planning, scale up, and execution of all the 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.
Lead and implement new programs and protocols related to process engineering.
Install equipment in pilot plant, and participate in production scale equipment FATs.
Compile plans related to and lead qualification of equipment installs in production environments.
Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
Conducts assigned work in a safe manner and adheres to Ferrara safety methods.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills that will make you successful

Ability to translate multifaceted concepts from the Marketing team into actionable engineering/commissioning plans that can be worked through with the Operations and Engineering teams
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
Expertise in areas such as: sanitation, LOTO, control logic, and maintenance
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 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.
Highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office), statistical software experience a plus.
Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines.
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 of 5 years of experience in a CPG R&D or Manufacturing Role, confectionary experience a plus.
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 to support manufacturing line trials.
Valid driving license is required.
Availability to travel outside of the USA for 3-4 months at a time over the next few years

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.