Operations Manager

Work Location: ​Forest Park​

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?

The Operations Manager is the engine behind our fast-paced candy packaging operation, leading everything from inbound raw materials to high-volume packaging and final preparation for warehousing and shipment. Reporting to the Sr. Plant Director, 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.

Ways you will make a difference

• Ensure team compliance with all safety policies, procedures and GMP’s
• 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). Ensure cost performance gaps are identified, action plans are developed, and resources are properly allocated
• 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

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong problem solving skills
• Excellent communication, facilitation and influence skills
• Collaborative and able to build teams cross-functionally
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback, to coach teams, and drive accountability
• Ability to lead a team-based approach to decision making
• Demonstrated ability to work in a results-oriented, challenging environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive results
• Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team building skills, with ability to present to all levels

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or similar field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in manufacturing
• Food Manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Experience, demonstrated by successful completion of a major improvement project
• Knowledge of TPM
• Experience developing/coaching hourly and supervisory staff
• Solid working knowledge environment, health, & safety and quality assurance
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. and operation of manufacturing equipment (including forklifts)
• May require off shift/weekend work and limited travel

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 position is $102,075-142,905 annually.