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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-/

Continuous Improvement Manager

Work Location: Itasca

Itasca, IL

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 Continuous Improvement Manager drives site initiatives to improve operational and equipment efficiencies as well as deliver cost savings by building capability in manufacturing methodologies, systems, and tools. Methodologies will include but are not limited to: safety (personnel and food), product quality, leadership, service the business, sources of loss, unit cost, and employee methods ad performance.

Ways you will make a difference

Deploys strategic methodologies, systems, and tools including Autonomous Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, SMED, Problem Solving, Green Belt/Black Belt Project, and Process Mapping to deliver site OEE and cost savings goals
Drives and supports cost ideations and diagnostics, along with tracking projects for visibility
Provides tracking and regular communication to various plant functions and teams regarding Manufacturing Reliability progress
Integrates system health and project monitoring into current structure (COE meetings, Operational Reviews) to ensure sustainability of improvements
Identifies and troubleshoot chronic and sporadic losses by engaging and collaborating with hourly personnel and supervisors. Drives losses to zero using SPC, Six Sigma and other lean principles
Utilizes systems and tools to deliver a reduction in minor stops and breakdowns
Drives restoration to base condition of bottleneck equipment through AM and PM execution (CILs, Centerlines, Defect Identification, 5S, Visual Management)
Builds capability in the PM team to effectively plan, schedule, and execute work; install and sustain the Breakdown Elimination and equipment classification systems
Identifies and implements new technology improvements
Builds capability by developing and executing training for operations, leadership and plant associates on methodologies, systems, and tools
Supports plant implementation of AM and PM by coaching supervisors/ managers to ensure their capability to lead work teams
Promotes a change of culture within the group/site – especially at the front-line level
Lead and coach projects that align with key priorities and help develop strategic plans to ensure that manufacturing sites achieve their goals
Utilize and analyze data to make informed decisions that help support business needs

Skills that will make you successful

Excellent problem-solving skills
Analytically minded
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
Ability to plan and manage priorities
Ability to lead cross-functional teams across all levels of the organization
Ability to influence without authority
Building effective relationships amongst all levels of the organization
Being a change management agent

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or technical/business field
5+ years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment
2+ years of leadership experience and managing direct reports
Experience leading continuous improvement projects (Lean, TPM, Six Sigma)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Food manufacturing background preferred
General knowledge of ERP systems; SAP experience preferred
Formal Lean Six Sigma experience preferred
Willingness and ability to travel to our manufacturing sites, largely located in the Chicago area

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.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago