Continuous Improvement Manager

Work Location: Itasca

Itasca, IL

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 Continuous Improvement Manager drives site initiatives to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) as well as deliver cost savings by building capability in manufacturing methodologies, systems, and tools. Methodologies will include but are not limited to: Environmental, Health, and Safety, Quality (Food Safety & Operational), Focused Improvement, Autonomous Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, Operational Reviews, Education & Training.

Ways you will make a difference

• Deploys strategic methodologies, systems, and tools including Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Autonomous Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, Focused Improvement (SMED, Problem Solving, Green Belt/Black Belt Project) to deliver site OEE and cost savings goals
• Drives and supports loss ideations and eradications, along with tracking projects for visibility
• Provides tracking and regular communication to various plant functions and manufacturing leadership team regarding site performance
• Integrates system health and project monitoring into current structure (Operational Reviews: huddles, daily, weekly, monthly) to ensure sustainability of improvements
• Identifies and troubleshoot chronic and sporadic losses by engaging and collaborating with front line employes, supervisors, and management team. Drives losses to zero using problem solving methodologies.
• Utilizes systems and tools to deliver reductions in unplanned stoppages, optimizing planned stoppages, and eliminating speed loss, waste & rework
• Drives restoration to base condition of bottleneck equipment through AM and PM execution (CILs, Centerlines, Defect Identification, 5S, Visual Management)
• Builds capability in the front-line and salaried teams to effectively plan, schedule, and execute work; install and sustain the improvements
• Identifies and implements technology (artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital connected worker) improvements
• Builds capability by developing and executing training for front line employees and leadership on methodologies, systems, and tools
• Supports site implementation of AM and PM by coaching front line employees and leadership team to build their capability to lead work teams
• Promotes a change of culture within the group/site - especially at the front-line level
• Other duties as assigned

Skills that will make you successful

• 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 amongst all levels of the organization
• Being a change management agent

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree (Prefer in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or technical/business field)
• 5+ years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2+ years of leadership experience and managing direct reports
• Experience leading continuous improvement projects (Lean, TPM, Six Sigma)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Food manufacturing background preferred
• S4 experience preferred
• Formal Lean Six Sigma experience preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel to our manufacturing sites, largely located in the Chicago areda

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 salary range for this role is $102,075 to $142,905 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago