Specialist, Quality

Ferrara Candy Co.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Job summary

Ferrara, headquartered in Chicago, seeks a Quality Specialist to partner with the Quality Manager and manufacturing teams to maintain and improve quality systems, ensure food safety and drive continuous improvement across processes. In-person attendance and schedule flexibility are essential to support production and cross-functional initiatives.

You will lead audits, manage non-conformities, and train staff on GMP, HACCP and Food Defense, contributing to Ferrara's commitment to quality and

Qualifications

• 1+ years of relevant experience in the quality department of a food, packaging or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in related field strongly preferred.
• Proficiency Microsoft Office products (Excel, Access, Word).
• Experience with SAP S/4Hana and RedZone or similar preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs, tracks and monitors the following audits including but not limited to: GMP, Glass and Brittle Plastic, various types of proactive internal audits
• Maintain, review and close non-conformities
• Perform employee new hire training programs for GMP, HACCP, allergen and Food Defense, and other miscellaneous programs
• Conducts and monitors document control and annual competency training for entire facility
• Participate in all facility Quality audits
• Conduct and monitor finished goods gluten-free testing, heavy metal testing and metal detectable band aid/earplug testing
• Review and track plant performance on Master Sanitation Schedule
• Assist with the HACCP program management and act as the HACCP certified team leader's back-up
• Ensure appropriate communication of food safety/QA issues with Production Supervisors and Technicians
• Ensure adherence to quality & food safety laws, regulations, company policies and practices
• Understand and demonstrate the Company's core values and operating principles
• Ensure adherence to all company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Ferrara business objectives

Skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Prioritization

Cross-functional

Communication

Influence

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP S/4Hana

RedZone

Excel

Access

Word

Job description

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?

Help ensure every product meets the highest standards of quality and food safety. As a Quality Specialist, you'll partner with the Quality Manager and manufacturing teams to maintain and improve quality systems, support compliance efforts, investigate issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that positively impact our products, processes, and consumers.

Ways you will make a difference

• Performs, tracks and monitors the following audits including but not limited to: GMP, Glass and Brittle Plastic, various types of proactive internal audits
• Maintain, review and close non-conformities
• Perform employee new hire training programs for GMP, HACCP, allergen and Food Defense, and other miscellaneous programs
• Conducts and monitors document control and annual competency training for entire facility
• Participate in all facility Quality audits
• Conduct and monitor finished goods gluten-free testing, heavy meatal testing and metal detectable band aid/earplug testing
• Review and track plant performance on Master Sanitation Schedule
• Assist with the HACCP program management and act as the HACCP certified team leader's back-up
• Ensure appropriate communication of food safety/QA issues with Production Supervisors and Technicians
• Ensure adherence to quality & food safety laws, regulations, company policies and practices
• Understand and demonstrate the Company's core values and operating principles
• Ensure adherence to all company policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Ferrara business objectives

Skills that will make you successful

• Promote teamwork, maintain a good attitude, and demonstrate flexibility to support business needs
• Demonstrate initiative and generate creative solutions
• Strong ability to organize and prioritize work, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively within and facilitate cross-functional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally at all levels of the organization
• Ability to motivate and influence others, drive results through collaboration, and foster a cooperative work environment within a matrix organization

Experiences that will support your success

• 1 plus years of relevant experience in the quality department of a food, packaging or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. Lead or supervisory experience a plus
• Bachelor's degree in related field strongly preferred
• Proficiency Microsoft Office products (Excel, Access, Word),
• Experience with SAP S/4Hana and RedZone or similar preferred

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 $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.