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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.

Quality Specialist

Work Location: ​Forest Park​

Forest Park, Il

 

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Ways you will make a difference

Develop and support implementation of Quality tools and platforms to drive transformation across the facilities 

Assist plant Quality and Intech teams with data analytics utilizing to process information 

Assess manufacturing activities to identify improvement opportunities 

Maintain standards of product consistency, adherence to critical control points, and sensory 

Create equipment and process specific training guides 

Promote and deploy sustainable continuous improvement activities, including: new launches, network moves, troubleshooting, and more 

Engage in hands-on collaboration with front-line factory associates 

Implement pilots (brand new innovations, network moves, etc), and continuous improvement plans through a project management leadership style 

Model, lead, and coach best continuous improvement and quality practices  

Engage, collaborate, and influence stakeholders to ensure support and adoption of continuous improvement strategy 

Complaints Reduction Projects  

Create first production job aids that close the gap between project and first production run  

Organize team-focused development events 

Want to make an impact?

The Quality Specialist, Continuous Improvement collaborates cross functionally with Quality, InTech, Continuous Improvement, Engineering, and Factory Leadership to solve complex problems and lead implementation projects related to candy production. This new position provides leadership to all levels of Ferrara employees, focusing on process improvement, change management, and transformation, while acting as the liaison between several departments, all in service of ensuring the highest quality of our products. 

Skills that will make you successful

Excellent problem-solving skills 

Project management capabilities 

Excellent organizational skills 

Analytically minded 

Strong communication skills with ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization 

Collaboration with the ability to work with and lead cross-functional teams across all levels of the organization 

Experiences that will support your success

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Science, or related field   

    1-3 years work experience in a manufacturing setting 

    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite 

    MiniTab knowledge a plus 

    Lean Manufacturing experience 

    Continuous Improvement project implementation experience  

    Six Sigma Experience (Certification preferred) 

    Change Management skills with ability to influence organization culture change  

    Knowledge of Quality Control Procedures 

    Familiarity with GMP/HACCP  

     

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

$60,000-$70,000 a year

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.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago

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