Quality Specialist

Work Location: ​Itasca​

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.

Want to make an impact?

The purpose of this position is responsible for supporting the quality assurance and quality control with the company, and key management components of the Quality System. The role provides functional leadership to develop, implement, maintain, and improve Quality processes across the manufacturing site that maybe implemented at other sites. The Quality Specialist is the subject matter expert and manages the timely development and upkeep of SAP, document control systems, and the factory’s internal quality information systems. This position ensures that the factory’s Quality systems support the collection, analysis, and reporting requirements of the relevant factory, division, and Ferrara requirements. They will be the factory’s key resource for support and training of Quality information systems

Ways you will make a difference

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Responsibilities, Challenges, and Opportunities:
    Operational Tasks
o    Manages effective records and files, summarizes data, and prepares and interprets reports for use by management
o    Acting as SAP QM user, responsibilities include:
     Release coordination
    Holds and reword dispositions
    Traceability for recall & withdrawal
    Manage & update the Quality Information Record
    Manage & update Quality Master Data
    Inspection plan creation & management, ensure alignment with QMS & HACCP (FSP)
    Lead SAP alignment initiatives within quality
    SAP Champion for factory
o    Acting as site Document Control Champion, responsibilities include:
    Overall trainer & superuser for all applications within quality
    Support Compliance to ensure effective use of document control applications
o    Responsible for Net Contents system support & reporting:
    Supports the functionality of net contents systems on the factory floor
    Lot summary reports for compliance assessment to QMA requirements for release
o    Oversee Batch status & WMS
    Hold & Release within warehouse systems
    Quality
o    Responsible for ensuring compliance for FSSC22000 while driving continuous improvement for Quality metrics/KPIs in the factory
o    Responsible for the practical implementation, the correct functioning and follow up of the relevant Quality systems in the factory
o    Assist, advise, and train Operations in attaining the Ferrara Quality Standards (SAP, QMS, document control, etc.)
    Safety & Environmental
o    Ensures compliance with all regulatory and Ferrara guidelines pertaining to safety, health, and environmental
o    To be part of the culture change towards behavioral safety improvement
    Project Management
o    Ability to manage multiple projects with a pragmatic approach and deliver quality results in a timely fashion
    Other duties as assigned by Manager

Skills that will make you successful

•    Proficiency in SAP
•    Is good at establishing clear directions
•    Demonstrate analytic, problem solving, decision-making skills and ability to manage complexity
•    Excellent written, oral communication, organizational, and mathematical skills
•    Ability to lead and motivate others
•    Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office or similar software, SAP, and Excel.
•    Strong organizational skills
•    Strong leadership and communication ability which encourages teamwork and idea generation while remaining focused on results.
•    Previous experience working in a food manufacturing plant preferred

Experiences that will support your success

•    Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or other related field OR 2 years related experience 
•    Strong knowledge of manufacturing and quality management system
•    Strong working knowledge of Continuous Process Improvement 

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

$73,000 - $109,800 annually