Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist

Ferrero SpA; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 71,100 - 99,540; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Annual bonus based on performance

Job summary

Ferrero SpA in DeKalb, Illinois is looking for a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive production and quality improvements. This role requires in-person attendance for effective collaboration and has responsibilities including leading CI initiatives and ensuring safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and two years of experience in manufacturing, along with project management skills and proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, especially in industrial engineering or finance.
• Two years of experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma background with LSS Green Belt is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive Continuous Improvement initiatives to meet production goals.
• Utilize data analysis to implement changes and track results.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Project management skills

Continuous improvement techniques

Analytical abilities

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

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).

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 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 $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.