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 operational and equipment efficiencies as well as deliver cost savings by building capability in manufacturing methodologies, systems, and tools. Methodologies will include but are not limited to: safety (personnel and food), product quality, leadership, service the business, sources of loss, unit cost, and employee methods ad performance.

Ways you will make a difference

• Deploys strategic methodologies, systems, and tools including Autonomous Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, SMED, Problem Solving, Green Belt/Black Belt Project, and Process Mapping to deliver site OEE and cost savings goals 
• Drives and supports cost ideations and diagnostics, along with tracking projects for visibility 
• Provides tracking and regular communication to various plant functions and teams regarding Manufacturing Reliability progress 
• Integrates system health and project monitoring into current structure (COE meetings, Operational Reviews) to ensure sustainability of improvements 
• Identifies and troubleshoot chronic and sporadic losses by engaging and collaborating with hourly personnel and supervisors. Drives losses to zero using SPC, Six Sigma and other lean principles 
• Utilizes systems and tools to deliver a reduction in minor stops and breakdowns 
• Drives restoration to base condition of bottleneck equipment through AM and PM execution (CILs, Centerlines, Defect Identification, 5S, Visual Management) 
• Builds capability in the PM team to effectively plan, schedule, and execute work; install and sustain the Breakdown Elimination and equipment classification systems 
• Identifies and implements new technology improvements 
• Builds capability by developing and executing training for operations, leadership and plant associates on methodologies, systems, and tools 
• Supports plant implementation of AM and PM by coaching supervisors/ managers to ensure their capability to lead work teams 
• Promotes a change of culture within the group/site – especially at the front-line level 
• Lead and coach projects that align with key priorities and help develop strategic plans to ensure that manufacturing sites achieve their goals 
• Utilize and analyze data to make informed decisions that help support business needs 

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 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 
• General knowledge of ERP systems; SAP experience preferred 
• Formal Lean Six Sigma experience preferred 
• Willingness and ability to travel to our manufacturing sites, largely located in the Chicago area 

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.