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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.

Packaging Machine Operator Lead 1st Shift

Work Location: DeKalb

Want to make an impact?

In addition to performing the duties of Machine Operator, the Lead Machine Operator will lead a team to provide directives on safety, quality, productivity and efficiency.

Ways you will make a difference

Responsible for adherence to required quality & food safety laws, regulations, company policies and practices.
Ensures a safe work environment and reports all observed safety hazards to managers
Schedules employees on a daily basis according to work order
Manages departmental performance measures and provides regular process reports to Supervisor
Recommends disciplinary action reports to Supervisor
Performs accident investigation reports
Performs production reports on a daily basis
Performs down time reports on a daily basis
Back-up to Supervisor in his/her absence
Train new employees

Supervises production employees in a packaging environment, plans and assigns work, implements policies, procedures, and recommends improvements in production methods, equipment, operating procedures and working conditions. Typical staff sizes are from 4 to 10 employees per line.

Skills that will make you successful

Possess people management skills (coaching, motivation, relations, etc.) at hourly level.
Capable of being analytical, focus on root-cause-analysis, and decision making abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to carry out detailed written and/or oral instructions
Promote teamwork, possess a good attitude, and exhibit flexibility and willingness to perform tasks as needed
Ability to problem solve by adjusting variables in standardized situations
Ability to work with minimum supervision
Must possess good judgment, planning and organizational skills
Must be able to multi-task and work in a fast paced, high stress manufacturing environment
Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds
Basic mathematical skills

Experiences that will support your success

-High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

-Minimum of 1 year of experience operating industrial food packaging machinery and leading a team

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

$37.50 hourly

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.