Continuous Improvement Manager

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.

The Continuous Improvement Manager drives site initiatives to improve operational and equipment efficiencies as well as deliver cost savings by building capability in manufacturing methodologies, systems, and tools. Methodologies will include but are not limited to: safety (personnel and food), product quality, leadership, service the business, sources of loss, unit cost, and employee methods ad performance.

• Deploys strategic methodologies, systems, and tools including Autonomous Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, SMED, Problem Solving, Green Belt/Black Belt Project, and Process Mapping to deliver site OEE and cost savings goals
• Drives and supports cost ideations and diagnostics, along with tracking projects for visibility
• Provides tracking and regular communication to various plant functions and teams regarding Manufacturing Reliability progress
• Integrates system health and project monitoring into current structure (COE meetings, Operational Reviews) to ensure sustainability of improvements
• Identifies and troubleshoot chronic and sporadic losses by engaging and collaborating with hourly personnel and supervisors. Drives losses to zero using SPC, Six Sigma and other lean principles
• Utilizes systems and tools to deliver a reduction in minor stops and breakdowns
• Drives restoration to base condition of bottleneck equipment through AM and PM execution (CILs, Centerlines, Defect Identification, 5S, Visual Management)
• Builds capability in the PM team to effectively plan, schedule, and execute work; install and sustain the Breakdown Elimination and equipment classification systems
• Identifies and implements new technology improvements
• Builds capability by developing and executing training for operations, leadership and plant associates on methodologies, systems, and tools
• Supports plant implementation of AM and PM by coaching supervisors/ managers to ensure their capability to lead work teams
• Promotes a change of culture within the group/site – especially at the front‑line level
• Lead and coach projects that align with key priorities and help develop strategic plans to ensure that manufacturing sites achieve their goals
• Utilize and analyze data to make informed decisions that help support business needs

• 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…