Manufacturing Leadership Program - Spring 2027 Grads

Ferrero SpA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferrara offers a Manufacturing Leadership Program for Spring 2027 grads, with three rotational assignments across production, quality, CI, maintenance, engineering, EH&S, and more. Trainees relocate to sites in Illinois, California, or South Carolina and pursue a long-term career leading factory teams.

Participants will rotate through functions and locations, gaining hands-on experience and potential leadership roles as they progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical) or Business with Operations focus.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities through campus activities.
• Strong collaboration and empathy for cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example and collaborate with production employees to meet goals.
• Aim to exceed production goals while maintaining safety and quality.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and adapt to rotating assignments across sites.

Skills

Agile thinker

Leadership

Empathy & collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Business

Job description

Manufacturing Leadership Program - Spring 2027 Grads

Work Location: Chicago

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.

Locations vary throughout the Greater Chicagoland Area, California, and other locations.

Want to make an impact?

As part of this highly selective program, you will participate in three rotational assignments across Ferrara’s manufacturing operations, including Production, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Maintenance, Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, Inventory Supply, and more! You will gain unparalleled experiences throughout the entire manufacturing process and have tremendous opportunities for growth and development, including rotations through leadership positions such as manufacturing supervisors. Manufacturing Leadership Program Trainees rotate through various functions as well as locations in Illinois, California, and more to come. We are looking for candidates who desire a long-term career in manufacturing, are energized by being on the factory floor, and want to lead teams to achieve outstanding results.

Each rotational assignment per year will require relocation to one of our sites in California, Chicago metro, or South Carolina.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead by example – be a collaborative, team-player who builds a strong rapport with production employees
• Aim to not only meet but exceed production goals
• Focus on safety and always strive to leave things better than they were

Skills that will make you successful

• Agile thinker
• Demonstrated leadership abilities through on campus activities
• Empathy and collaboration skills

Experiences that will support your success

Spring 2027 grad completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with a focus in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, or related field OR completing a Bachelor's Degree in Business with a focus on Operations, Operations Management, or related field.

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 for this role is $77,000 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.