Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement

Ferrero SpA; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 98,843 - 138,381; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Health benefits

Financial wellness

Job summary

Ferrara is building the largest food manufacturing facility in our network, a bold investment that will set new standards for scale, technology, and efficiency. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role to build a site from the ground up, shaping the people strategy, culture, and operations that will power our future.

We’re looking for a builder. Someone who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and brings an entrepreneurial mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or technical/business field.
• 5+ years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of leadership experience and managing direct reports.
• Experience leading continuous improvement projects (Lean, TPM, Six Sigma).
• Willingness to travel to our manufacturing sites, largely located in the Chicago area.

Responsibilities

• Deploys TPM, Autonomous Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, and Focused Improvement to deliver site OEE and cost savings.
• Drives and tracks loss ideations and project visibility.
• Communicates site performance to plant leadership and functions.
• Integrates system health and project monitoring into daily routines to sustain improvements.
• Identifies and eliminates chronic and sporadic losses using problem solving.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Prioritization

Cross-functional leadership

Influence without authority

Relationship building

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

S4 (SAP) experience

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?

Join us at a defining moment.

We’re building the largest food manufacturing facility in our network, a bold investment that will set new standards for scale, technology, and efficiency. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role to build a site from the ground up, shaping the people strategy, culture, and operations that will power our future.

We’re looking for a builder. Someone who thrives in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments and brings an entrepreneurial mindset. This role requires agility, curiosity, and a hands‑on approach. You’ll be solving problems in real time, building processes from scratch, and creating a high‑performing, engaged workforce from day one. If you’re driven by impact, ownership, and results, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark.

The Continuous Improvement Manager drives site initiatives to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) as well as deliver cost savings by building capability in manufacturing methodologies, systems, and tools. Methodologies will include but are not limited to: Environmental, Health, and Safety, Quality (Food Safety & Operational), Focused Improvement, Autonomous Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, Operational Reviews, Education & Training.

Ways you will make a difference

• Deploys strategic methodologies, systems, and tools including Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Autonomous Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, Focused Improvement (SMED, Problem Solving, Green Belt/Black Belt Project) to deliver site OEE and cost savings goals
• Drives and supports loss ideations and eradications, along with tracking projects for visibility
• Provides tracking and regular communication to various plant functions and manufacturing leadership team regarding site performance
• Integrates system health and project monitoring into current structure (Operational Reviews: huddles, daily, weekly, monthly) to ensure sustainability of improvements
• Identifies and troubleshoot chronic and sporadic losses by engaging and collaborating with front line employes, supervisors, and management team. Drives losses to zero using problem solving methodologies.
• Utilizes systems and tools to deliver reductions in unplanned stoppages, optimizing planned stoppages, and eliminating speed loss, waste & rework
• Drives restoration to base condition of bottleneck equipment through AM and PM execution (CILs, Centerlines, Defect Identification, 5S, Visual Management)
• Builds capability in the front‑line and salaried teams to effectively plan, schedule, and execute work; install and sustain the improvements
• Identifies and implements technology (artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital connected worker) improvements
• Builds capability by developing and executing training for front line employees and leadership on methodologies, systems, and tools
• Supports site implementation of AM and PM by coaching front line employees and leadership team to build their capability to lead work teams
• Promotes a change of culture within the group/site – especially at the front‑line level
• Other duties as assigned

Skills that will make you successful

• Excellent problem‑solving skills
• Analytically minded
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization
• Ability to plan and manage priorities
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams across all levels of the organization
• Ability to influence without authority
• Building effective relationships amongst all levels of the organization
• Being a change management agent

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or technical/business field
• 5+ years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2+ years of leadership experience and managing direct reports
• Experience leading continuous improvement projects (Lean, TPM, Six Sigma)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Food manufacturing background preferred
• S4 experience preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel to our manufacturing sites, largely located in the Chicago area

Why this role is different

This isn’t about maintaining an existing operation, it’s about building, leading, and shaping a site from day one. You’ll sit at the leadership table, build a team and culture that lasts, connect local impact with enterprise strategy, and help establish a strong presence both inside the plant and in the Orangeburg community.

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 $98,843 - $138,381 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.