Work Location and Hours

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.

Work Location: Itasca

Itasca, IL

Want to make an impact?

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.

Ways you will make a difference

• 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

Skills that will make you successful

• 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

Experiences that will support your success

• Strong communication skills
• 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

What We Offer

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 at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The pay for this role is $112,425 to $167,000 annually