Sr. Manager, Operations

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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil.

Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Itasca, IL

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.

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for daily operations and enforces standards of Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and Productivity of the Itasca Factory. The Senior Operations Manager ensures compliance with Ferrara quality and food safety policies, procedures, and applicable standards while overseeing day-to-day production and people management.

• Oversee day-to-day production activities of finished goods to ensure smooth and efficient plant operation
• Monitor safety, quality, and sanitation standards to ensure compliance with company standards
• Ensure compliance of plant Quality Control programs to meet all Food Safety/Quality objectives in process reliability, product quality, product standards, specifications, and consumer complaint reductions. Monitor operations, evaluate operation efficiencies, and correct errors in a timely manner
• Emphasize Continuous Improvement processes in all aspects of plant operation. Analyze and recommend improvements and modifications to improve overall plant operation efficiencies, quality, costs, safety, and sanitation
• Develop and maintain key results and performance standards; conduct performance evaluations
• Provide guidance, support, and coaching assistance as appropriate to maximize plant effectiveness and maximize operational effectiveness by regular communication with all support functions
• Participate in long-term strategic planning, identifying and defining issues affecting performance and making corrective action plans as well as forecasting expenditures and meeting budgetary requirements
• Prepare reports documenting departmental activities
• Assumes Plant Director responsibilities as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Management, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations management in food manufacturing
• Previous experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment
• Experience leading and developing a team of both hourly and salaried employees in a manufacturing environment (experience working with non-union employees a plus)
• Experience in a work environment with extended work schedules and specific time constraints; flexibility with 24-hour responsibility of plant operations
• LEAN/Six Sigma & TPM experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Red Zone and/or another connected workforce platform experience is a plus

• Adept at building relationships and maintaining a culture of growth, progress, and collaboration
• Operating knowledge of manufacturing equipment
• Leadership skills with ability to motivate and strengthen team and maintain standards of quality

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits athttps://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

$112,425 to…