Sr. Manager, Co-Manufacturing & Co-Packing
Ferrara Pan Candy Co., Inc.

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The primary purpose of this role is to manage a group of Virtual Factory Managers (VFMs). VFMs are managing all technical, operational, commercial and financial aspects of a group of contract manufacturers. In this role, it may be required to manage single or multiple contract manufacturers in addition to leading the team of VFMs.

Ways you will make a difference

• Manage the VFM team to ensure all operational aspects at a group of Contract manufacturing sites, including compliance with Ferrara systems, QA procedures, product formulas, GMP's, MRP, development and maintenance of SOP's, training and HACCP's.
  • Provide strong onsite support for running the operations, via working directly with the operators and supervisors on the floor, as well as the management team and owners.
  • Ensure that a continuous improvement plan is in place to provide the lowest total delivered costs within the agreed to quality parameters.
  • Ensure proper startup of new products at facilities, achieving agreed upon timelines and compliance with Ferrara requirements.
  • Ensure performance targets for assigned sites are being adhered to - including attainment, budgeting, costs (e.g. usage, PPV, tolling), Savings targets and monthly variance reconciliation.
  • Achieve agreed to targeted cost savings amounts against budgeted standards.
  • Act as the one face to the Co-Manufacturing partner and a support to resolve issues or concerns related to Ferrara business that they cannot resolve on their own.
  • Prior to the startup of any new item, ensure all required production related documentation is complete and available to the co-manufacturer.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the VFMs and Ferrara Leadership team to drive innovation & renovation project execution.
• Ensure the VFMs are holding all co-manufacturers fully compliant with Ferrara requirements and contract manufacturing agreements.
• Miscellaneous Duties
  • Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
  • Understands and demonstrates the Company's core values.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work remotely and independently with little direction.
• Ability to effectively support, manage and influence a team of VFMs assigned to manufacturing and packing sites.
• Ability to effectively manage, interact and lead factory floor associates at assigned manufacturing and packing sites (if applicable).
• Ability to be flexible and work with a sense of urgency to meet the demands of our customers and internal teams.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business Administration, or related fields required
• Minimum 10 years' experience in relevant positions
• Technical or manufacturing experience in CPG product, process or packaging development and/or commercialization are required
• Leading a cross-functional project team to bring a product to market are required
• Factory operational experience are required