Continuous Improvement and Operations Coordinator

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. S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. 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. 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. The Operations Manager reports to the Sr. Site Director and is the engine behind our fast-paced candy distribution and packaging operation, leading everything from inbound raw materials to high-volume packaging and final preparation for warehousing and shipment. This role owns the daily execution of packaging operations, ensuring products move efficiently, safely, and accurately through the facility. The day-to-day operations include but are not limited to the management of personnel, overall factory performance, and the strategic planning for ensuring consistent quality of production, product improvement and assisting in new product development processing and launch.

Ensure team compliance with all safety policies, procedures and GMPs

Leads effectively through hands on support and visibility on the production floor

Maintain product quality and sanitation standards

Optimize operational efficiencies to support the production, warehouse, and shipping of products

Identify and coordinate operational improvements necessary to deliver the site annual operating plan (AOP). Track operational output measures (i.e. efficiency, yield loss, product quality, inventory accuracy, transactional accuracy), anticipating and correcting trends which would compromise achievement of financial targets

Develop and motivate teams to solve day-to-day operational issues and reach short- and long-term performance goals

Deliver effective change leadership to drive business changes while minimizing people impact

Builds people capability through effective employee relations, hiring, training, and communication for front-line hourly and salaried personnel

Flex production plans on a shift-by-shift basis to prevent service issues and operational inefficiencies.

Optimize ingredient and packaging material usage to minimize scrap loss

Coach teams to demonstrate continuous improvement in profitability margins, efficiencies and cost savings initiatives

Strong knowledge and capability of TPM or lean manufacturing, finance and accounting, project management, leadership, and statistics/logical problem solving.

Solid working knowledge of the following business enterprises: HSE/quality regulatory compliance

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or similar field

Minimum 5 years’ experience in manufacturing preferred. Preferably food/beverage experience

Lean Six Sigma Experience preferred, demonstrated by successful completion of a major improvement project

Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications

and operation of manufacturing equipment (including forklifts)

May require off shift/weekend work and limited travel

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. 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.

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