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At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

Manager, Operations

Work Location and Schedule DeKalb

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Want to make an impact?

The Operations Manager reports to the Sr. Site Director and is the engine behind our fast-paced candy distribution and packaging operation, leading everything from inbound raw materials to high-volume packaging and final preparation for warehousing and shipment. This role owns the daily execution of packaging operations, ensuring products move efficiently, safely, and accurately through the facility. The day-to-day operations include but are not limited to the management of personnel, overall factory performance, and the strategic planning for ensuring consistent quality of production, product improvement and assisting in new product development processing and launch.

Ways you will make a difference

Ensure team compliance with all safety policies, procedures and GMP’s
Leads effectively through hands on support and visibility on the production floor
Maintain product quality and sanitation standards
Optimize operational efficiencies to support the production, warehouse, and shipping of products
Identify and coordinate operational improvements necessary to deliver the site annual operating plan (AOP). Ensure cost performance gaps are identified, action plans are developed, and resources are properly allocated
Track operational output measures (i.e. efficiency, yield loss, product quality, inventory accuracy, transactional accuracy), anticipating and correcting trends which would compromise achievement of financial targets
Develop and motivate teams to solve day-to-day operational issues and reach short- and long-term performance goals
Deliver effective change leadership to drive business changes while minimizing people impact
Builds people capability through effective employee relations, hiring, training, and communication for front-line hourly and salaried personnel
Flex production plans on a shift-by-shift basis to prevent service issues and operational inefficiencies.
Optimize ingredient and packaging material usage to minimize scrap loss
Coach teams to demonstrate continuous improvement in profitability margins, efficiencies and cost savings initiatives

Skills that will make you successful

Strong knowledge and capability of TPM or lean manufacturing, finance and accounting, project management, leadership, and statistics/logical problem solving.
Solid working knowledge of the following business enterprises: HSE/quality regulatory compliance
Excellent communication, facilitation and influence skills
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
Ability to lead a team-based approach to decision making
Demonstrated ability to work in a results-oriented, challenging environment
Strong leadership skills with the ability to get results through mentoring others
Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team building skills

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or similar field
Minimum 5 years’ experience in manufacturing preferred. Preferably food/beverage experience
Lean Six Sigma Experience preferred, demonstrated by successful completion of a major improvement project
Experience developing/coaching hourly and supervisory staff
Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. and operation of manufacturing equipment (including forklifts)
May require off shift/weekend work and limited travel

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and 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 role is $102,075 to $142,905 annually.

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.