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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.

Food Safety & Compliance Expert

Job Location: Forest Park

Want to make an impact?

The purpose of this position is to design, implement and manage the food safety, quality and regulatory compliance procedures for the facility. The Food Safety & Compliance Expert ensures the facility is in compliance with all applicable Local, State and Federal Food Laws through alignment with all auditing requirements and champions continuous Food Safety and Quality Process Improvement.

Ways you will make a difference

Creates and manages the plant QA/Food Safety technical and compliance system to ensure food safety
Create and maintain programs and policies as needed for full certification according to the “Good Manufacturing Processes”, HAACP, and applicable GFSI scheme.
Ensures implementation and continuity of all key traceability, inspection, program management, and microbial program metrics.
Completes root cause analysis for product or plant events
Manages plant Environmental Monitoring Program
Manages and tracks plant Food Safety training to ensure 100% compliance across all departments
Conducts Food Safety Risk Assessments to ensure conforming plant operations
Oversees all certification programs to ensure compliance against schemes or protocols
Develops and evolves plant Food Safety programs to ensure compliance in an ever changing environment
Manages all third party certifications (ex. Kosher and Halal certifications)
Works with Quality and Food Safety Manager on product innovation and ingredient changes
Manages the internal audit program with a cross functional team
Works with Quality and Food Safety Manager for strategic planning on program and capital needs or changes
Manages plant validation programs for Allergen testing
Develops, reviews and updates standard operating procedures
Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
Manages and develops team (where applicable).

Skills that will make you successful

Ability to give clear directions
Demonstrated analytic, problem solving and decision-making skills
Strong organizational skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in hygienic design and practices
Knowledge of manufacturing, sanitation practices, HACCP, FSMA, GMP’s and SSOP’s.
Strong working knowledge of continuous process improvement

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor's Degree in food science, microbiology, or other relevant degree and substantial experience in quality and food safety
Masters or certification preferred
Minimum 7 years of related experience
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite
HAACP Certification
ISO FSSC 22000 knowledge

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.