Virtual Factory Manager

Work Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

As a 3PM Virtual Factory Manager, you will have a direct impact and enjoy the challenges of helping drive our 3PM operations and increasing partnership, efficiency, and quality. In this role, you will manage technical, operational, commercial, and financial aspects of a group of contract manufacturers (subcon and turnkey). This position will involve about 60% travel depending on business needs.

Ways you will make a difference

•    Manage all operational aspects at a group of 3PM sites, including compliance with Ferrara systems, QA procedures, product formulas, GMP’s, MRP, development and maintenance of SOP’s, training and HACCP’s.
•    Provide strong onsite support for running the operations, via working directly with the operators and supervisors on the floor, as well as the management team and owners.
•    Ensure that a continuous improvement plan is in place to provide the lowest total delivered costs within the agreed-to-quality parameters.
•    Ensure proper startup of new products at facilities, achieving agreed upon timelines and compliance with Ferrara requirements.
•    Ensure performance targets for assigned sites are being adhered to – including attainment, adherence, material obsolescence, budgeting, costs (e.g. usage, PPV, tolling), savings targets and monthly variance reconciliation.
•    Achieve agreed to targeted cost savings amounts against budgeted standards.
•    Act as the one face to the 3PM partners and a support to resolve issues or concerns related to Ferrara business that they cannot resolve on their own.
•    Prior to the startup of any new item, ensure all required production-related documentation is complete and available to the 3PM suppliers.
•    Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison between the 3PM suppliers and key internal interfaces to drive innovation & renovation project execution.
•    Provide project leadership to coordinate cross-functional activities at 3PM suppliers to ensure project is executed against timelines and budgets.
•    Ensure all 3PM suppliers are fully compliant with Ferrara requirements and contract manufacturing agreements.

Skills that will make you successful

•    Ability to effectively manage, interact with, and lead factory floor associates.
•    Strong collaboration skills and ability to build relationships.
•    Project management capabilities.
•    Exceptional presentation and communication skills.
•    Exceptional writing skills.
•    Ability to make quality business case recommendations to partners and leadership
•    Self-motivated and self-directed, able to work remotely.

Experiences that will support your success

•    Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field required.
•    Minimum 5 years related experience in plant leadership, auditing, consulting, and overall knowledge in food manufacturing required.
•    Technical or manufacturing experience with CPG products, processes, packaging development, and/or commercialization required.
•    Experience leading cross-functional project teams.
•    Direct experience in managing or auditing food operations preferred.
•    Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
•    SAP knowledge preferred.
•    Quality systems knowledge a plus.

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 at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $99,600 to $139,440 annually.