Quality Specialist

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.

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 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 here

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.