Manager, L&D - Plant

Ferrara; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 102,075 - 142,905; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off (PTO)

Annual performance-based bonus

Job summary

Ferrara is looking for a Manager, L&D - Plant in Chicago. This role focuses on designing impactful learning experiences that support a diverse workforce. You will collaborate with HR and operational teams to enhance capabilities and bolster employee development.

Essential qualifications include bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, extensive HR experience, and strong facilitation skills. The position provides an opportunity to influence learning culture and drive organizational growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in L&D.
• At least 2 years of managerial experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and frontline workforces.

Responsibilities

• Build strategic learning programs addressing capability gaps.
• Design bilingual learning content to meet diverse employee needs.
• Manage end-to-end program delivery across the learning portfolio.

Skills

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish

Strong facilitation skills

Strong communication and influencing skills

Proven collaboration skills

Data-driven mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or Master's in relevant field

Job description

Manager, L&D - Plant

Work Location: Chicago

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?

At Ferrara, we don't just make candy. We create moments of joy. And that starts with our people. As Manager of Learning & Development, you'll help shape a workplace where curiosity is rewarded, leaders are developed and learning drives performance at every level of the organization, from our corporate offices to our plant floors. Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, you'll design high‑impact experiences that unlock talent across a diverse, bilingual workforce, strengthen capabilities enterprise‑wide, and power our bold growth agenda.

Ways you will make a difference

• Build strategic, business‑aligned learning programs that address capability gaps across both corporate functions and manufacturing operations, ensuring relevance and accessibility for all employee populations.
• Design and deliver bilingual learning content (English and Spanish) that meets employees where they are, whether they work in an office or on a production line.
• Manage end‑to‑end program delivery across Ferrara's learning portfolio, from content development to facilitation, with specific attention to hourly and frontline workforce needs.
• Partner with HRBPs and business leaders, including Plant HR and operations leaders, to bring learning into the flow of work and ensure programs meet both functional and enterprise needs.
• Drive insights with metrics, develop KPIs, track outcomes across populations, and continuously refine offerings for even bigger impact.
• Evaluate program effectiveness across both salaried and hourly employee segments, applying insights to improve experience, outcomes, and business value.
• Foster a culture of learning and curiosity at all levels, embedding feedback loops that capture the voice of both plant‑floor and corporate employees.
• Support internal capability building by facilitating bilingual sessions and sharing L&D best practices across the business.

Skills that will make you successful

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, written and verbal required; ability to develop and deliver training content in both languages.
• Demonstrated success designing and launching learning programs at scale across diverse employee populations, including hourly/manufacturing workforces.
• Strong facilitation skills with the ability to adapt style, language, and format to the audience.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, ability to build trust and alignment across functions, levels, and work environments.
• Proven collaboration skills, especially with HRBPs, operations leaders, and cross‑functional partners.
• Strategic thinker who thrives in dynamic, fast‑moving environments.
• Data‑driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into action.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and learning budget.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or Master's in Organizational Development, HR, or a related field a plus.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong preference in L&D, Talent Development, or Organizational Effectiveness.
• At least 2 years of managerial experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, supply chain, or frontline workforces strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing bilingual (English/Spanish) training materials and facilitating in both languages.

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-Benefits-Resource-Center.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $102,075 - $142,905 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.

Nearest Major Market

Chicago