Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist

Ferrero SpA; Bellwood (IL); On-site; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive CI initiatives across production, warehouse, processing, and packaging. You will collaborate with engineering, maintenance, quality, and operations to deliver TPM-based improvements that meet safety, quality, and cost goals.

The role requires strong project management, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, with exposure to SAP and advanced Excel. In-person support across shifts and cross-functional teams will be essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in industrial engineering, engineering, or finance.
• Two years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred but not required.
• Ability to work periodic on any shift per project requirements.
• Knowledge of SAP and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead CI initiatives with updates to the factory leadership team and project stakeholders highlighting status and risks.
• Apply RCA, DMAIC, Loss Tree Analysis, IPA to drive sustainable operational improvements.
• Collect and analyze data and operating conditions; implement changes with sponsor, process owner, and operator.
• Carry out follow-up programs to maintain savings and provide additional training.
• Participate in annual budget process to assess run-rate efficiencies, nominal speeds, and scrap values.
• Collaborate with product development, marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations to bring new products to market and meet objectives.
• Ensure factory safety, operational and quality standards are adhered to.
• Facilitate improvements in hourly workforce proficiency, training, and development programs.
• Escalate issues in a timely manner.
• Measure and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Skills

Project management

Hi-speed packaging

Continuous improvement

Lean Six Sigma

Communication

Excel

Problem solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Create Alert

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 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 (CI) Specialist drives production, warehouse, processing, and packaging activities, with a focus on CI Initiatives, to achieve the safety, quality, customer service, and cost goals. The individual needs to collaborate closely with the other departments to achieve project objectives aligned with the business needs. In this role, the individual will be responsible to drive Continuous Improvement tools across the business such as Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

#LI-RK

Ways you will make a difference

• Identifying, chartering, and leading CI improvement initiatives by providing project updates to the factory leadership team and project stakeholders highlighting the status, adherence to the project time plan, work accomplished, quick wins, points of escalation, elements of risk and the associated mitigation plans.
• Utilize continuous improvement tools and methodologies (RCA, DMAIC, Loss Tree Analysis, IPA, etc.) to drive sustainable operational improvements.
• Collect and analyze data and operating conditions; implement changes and follow-up on results by involving key responsible people (i.e. sponsor, process owner, and operator).
• Carry out follow-up programs to maintain the achieved savings, additional training, detect further savings opportunities, as well as ensure the overall continuity of projects.
• Participate in annual budget process to assess all run rate efficiencies, nominal speeds, and scrap values by component.
• Work collaboratively with product development, marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations to bring new products to market and meet the defined project objectives.
• Ensure that factory safety, operational and quality standards are adhered to.
• Facilitate improvements in hourly workforce proficiency, training, and development programs. Interacts with other department heads to exchange information impacting productivity performance.
• Escalate issues in a timely manner.
• Measure and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong project management skills, including excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient in hi-speed packaging and process equipment application/design, process development
• Knowledgeable in continuous improvement techniques, including but not limited to TPM, Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC.
• Must be able to work in and add value to a fast paced, high stress manufacturing environment.
• People skills (coaching/counseling, motivation, performance, employee, relations, etc.) in hourly and staff team-building skills, both inter and intra department.
• Creative, highly motivated, and self-starting.
• Exceptional analytical, root-cause-analysis, and decision-making abilities
• Effective written and verbal communication/presentation skills
• Computer literate, Microsoft Office, Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Physical Requirements - Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop and reach.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferred majors include industrial engineering, engineering, finance
• Two years of experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma background. LSS Green Belt preferred but not required.
• Ability to work periodically on any shift, per individual project requirements.
• Knowledge of SAP.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) experience

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 athttps://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $71,100 - $99,540 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.