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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. Specifications Specialist

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

 

Location: Old Post Office, Corporate Headquarterrs, Chicago, IL – Hybrid role 3 days in office, 2 days Work From Home 

 

Travel Required: Minimal, less than 5% 

 

The Senior Specifications Specialist is responsible for developing and revising the product and ingredient specifications for the purposes of labeling, procurement accuracy, and regulatory compliance.  This position will be a part of the Quality team, working closely with the Product Developers, Regulatory, Marketing, and the Commercialization team.   There are always new innovations being created in our labs, as part of this role, the Sr. Specifications Specialist will work with Product Development team on bringing in new ingredients and recipes, and working with cross-functional teams to continuously improve internal processes.  

 

Ways you will make a difference

 

  • The Sr. Specifications Specialist works closely with InTech, Regulatory, Commercialization, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure raw material and finished product specifications are accurate and compliant with regulations.
  • Understands and leads in implementation of Ferrara specification data quality standards.
  • Creates and maintains Ferrara Internal Specifications in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Leads PLM based trainings for new hires, groups within InTech, and cross-functional teams.
  • Analyzes supplier documents to ensure there are no discrepancies in data within Internal Specifications.
  • Liaison on the technical side with IT business partners to support technical issues with SAP systems, including supporting testing in sandbox areas.
  • Maintains an understanding of compliance requirements and identify gaps in existing documentation.
  • Makes needed revisions to specifications in a timely manner and broadcasts with relevant stakeholders (procurement, quality, commercialization, operations etc.).
  • Works closely InTech Regulatory Specialists and communicates updates to raw material specs to ensure updates are clearly captured in Genesis as well as PLM.
  • Grows internal specification team capabilities including leveraging and expanding team capabilities.
  • Assists the product development process (new and reformulated products) to ensure regulatory and business requirements are met.
  •  Leads works across functions and independently communicates with all functional and operating groups on specification and labeling related and compliance matters.
  • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current regulations and relevant technical product and processing information.
  • Proactively identifies and communicates potential operational challenges or opportunities related to new or revised specifications.
  • Leads additional initiatives and responsibilities above and beyond the day to day tasks.
  • Directs work to be completed by others within Specifications Team.
  • Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
  • Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills that will make you successful

 

  • Organized, detail-oriented, and excellent technical writing skills
  • Comfortable communicating with stakeholders from all levels of management
  • Self-directed, motivated, and good time management
  • Knowledge of SAP PLM and/or SAP S4 Hana and bill of material
  • Knowledge of food product development and processes

Experiences that will support your success

 

  • B.S. in Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field required
  • More than 3 years of experience in food industry required
  • More than 5 years of experience in food industry preferred
  • 5 years of experience within Regulatory, Quality, or Research and Development in CPG industry preferred

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.

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