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.

Operations Manager

Job Location: ​DeKalb​

Want to make an impact?

The Operations Manager is responsible for the operations of the manufacturing process including, but not limited to, raw materials receiving, product manufacturing, packaging and final preparation of product for warehousing and/or shipment. Manages the day to day operations including but not limited to: the management of personnel, overall factory performance, and the strategic planning for insuring consistent quality of production, product improvement and assisting in new product development processing and launch.

Responsible for the initial and continuous training and safety of all employees, as well as ensuring that all employees follow all established safety procedures/standards and follow good manufacturing practices (GMP’s).
 

Ways you will make a difference

Ensure team compliance with all safety policies and procedures
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 team 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
Communicate and collaborate cross-functionally to assist team to solve operational issues
Motivate team members to achieve plan goals
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
Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts and procedures
Lead and motivate the operations team in a manner consistent with the Operating Principles
Coach teams to demonstrate continuous improvement in profitability margins, efficiencies and cost savings initiatives
Lead the organization in the development of natural work teams
Administer policies and procedures
Regular and predictable attendance at the work site
This role requires regular presence on the plant floor
This role requires lifting up to 40 lbs. occasionally
This role requires occasional work in poor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or snow
This role may operate forklift and manufacturing equipment occasionally

This role may require off-shift and weekend work
This role may require some travel (less than 5%)
 

Skills that will make you successful

Must possess strong skills, knowledge and capability in 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
Processing/packaging/warehouse operations, maintenance and engineering, ingredient and package material procurement, production planning & deployment, sales and marketing, research and development, and 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 preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
 

What We Offer

Compensation

99,600-139k 

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.