Senior Production Supervisor

Ferrero SpA; Bellwood (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferrara, a leading sugar confectioner, seeks a Senior Production Supervisor at our Illinois facility. You will oversee the daily operations, coordinating production and logistics with a team of 5-8 supervisors, ensuring FDA/GMP/SQF compliance and driving continuous improvement.

You will partner with maintenance, QA and supply teams, implement lean practices, train staff, and manage budgeted projects to optimize performance and food safety. In-person presence is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years experience.
• Previous manufacturing experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working with SAP.
• Understanding of GMP principles.
• Process, packing, and mechanical experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing people with ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop team of 5-8 production supervisors.
• Supervise the execution of production and logistics plans through supervisors, operators and other hourly labor functions.
• Provides plantwide technical expertise, support and facilitation of products and systems.
• Develop and implement plans and policies to ensure compliance in all areas of responsibility.
• Serve as end to end support for the processing, packaging, warehouse and maintenance functions in the Operations department.
• Oversee production lines in accordance with FDA guidelines, GMPs, and HACCP/SQF program guidelines.
• Investigate, resolve problems and mitigate operational issues that result in negative performance.
• Improve overall skill levels of Operators and Supervisors through training, leadership, facilitationtroubleshooting and knowledge transfer.
• Support Lean Training as directed by Operations Manager.
• Owns regulatory compliance and food safety process, including: proper sanitary condition, allergen control, pest control, food safety policy, employee safety policies and procedures, and maintaining MCRS sustainability standards.
• Partners with the Continuous Improvement Manager to create procedures, review LEAN activities, develop data systems and data reporting.
• Ensure adherence to all standard work processes, including LEAN processes. Audits LEAN and Operational Processes.
• Develop training of LEAN tools and skills. Attends Kaizen sessions within the plant to provide guidance.
• Responsible for managing budget of longterm process improvement projects and innovation with the supervision of the Operations Manager.
• Act as Operations Manager in their absence or as needed.
• Participate in daily food review.
• Support and execute relevant projects as needed.

Skills

Strong verbal and written comms

Multitasking

Complexity management

Independent, self‑sufficient

Problem solving/decision making

People skills across levels

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SAP

Job description

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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.

Core hours are 12pm to 8:30pm, with rotating weekend coverage

Want to make an impact?

The Senior Production Supervisor is responsible for executing production and logistics plans. The Senior Production Supervisor is responsible for overall operations of the assigned shift, including: warehouse, labor relations, production, site security, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Senior Supervisor is also for responsible for facilitating projects across the plant as needed.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead and develop team of 5-8 production supervisors.
• Supervise the execution of production and logistics plans through supervisors, operators and other hourly labor functions
• Provides plantwide technical expertise, support and facilitation of products and systems
• Develop and implement plans and policies to ensure compliance in all areas of responsibility
• Serve as end to end support for the processing, packaging, warehouse and maintenance functions in the Operations department
• Oversee production lines in accordance with FDA guidelines, GMPs, and HACCP/SQF program guidelines
• Investigate, resolve problems and mitigate operational issues that result in negative performance
• Improve overall skill levels of Operators and Supervisors through training, leadership, facilitationtroubleshooting and knowledge transfer
• Support Lean Training as directed by Operations Manager
• Owns regulatory compliance and food safety process, including: proper sanitary condition, allergen control, pest control, food safety policy, employee safety policies and procedures, and maintaining MCRS sustainability standards
• Partners with the Continuous Improvement Manager to create procedures, review LEAN activities, develop data systems and data reporting
• Ensure adherence to all standard work processes, including LEAN processes. Audits LEAN and Operational Processes
• Develop training of LEAN tools and skills. Attends Kaizen sessions within the plant to provide guidance
• Responsible for managing budget of longterm process improvement projects and innovation with the supervision of the Operations Manager
• Act as Operations Manager in their absence or as needed
• Participate in daily food review
• Support and execute relevant projects as needed

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity
• Independent, self-sufficient with a strong sense of urgency
• Strong problem solving, negotiating, and decision making skills
• Ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization
• Critical thinking

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum 3 years experience
• Previous manufacturing experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience working with SAP
• Understanding of GMP principles
• Process, packing, and mechanical experience strongly preferred
• Experience managing people with ability to work with employees at all levels of the organization across work functions internal and external

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk and/or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop and reach.

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 $81,225 - $113,715 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.