Quality Specialist

Quality Specialist

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.

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.

Compensation

$60,000-$70,000 a year

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.