For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.
Senior Quality Compliance Specialist
Job Location: Chicago
Want to make an impact?
The Senior Quality Compliance Specialist will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring compliance with FSSC 22000 requirements, internal Ferrara quality standards and own the following Compliance Pillars - Management of Change and Quality Training. This role will involve collaboration with crossfunctional teams to develop, implement, and maintain processes and procedures that support compliance and continuous improvement in these key areas. Go-to person at every level of the organization for responsible compliance pillars.
Ways you will make a difference
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Management of Change (MOC)
- Maintain the MOC process, including procedures, forms, and documentation requirements.
- Review and assess proposed changes to systems, processes, equipment, or facilities for potential impact on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Facilitate MOC review meetings and ensure timely resolution of issues and approval of change requests.
- Provide guidance and support to stakeholders on MOC requirements and best practices.
- Conduct periodic audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the MOC process and identify areas for improvement. • Quality Training • Develop and implement a comprehensive quality training program that addresses the needs of employees at all levels.
- Identify training requirements based on job roles, Ferrara requirements, and quality objectives.
- Coordinate the development of training materials, including presentations, manuals, and e-learning modules.
- Track and maintain records of training completion and competency assessments.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback mechanisms and performance metrics.
- Lead the following Quality Training Programs: Yearly Quality Academy (Quality Leadership Level Workshop), New Hire Quality Training, Competency Matrix, Annual Corporate Quality Training.
- Stay informed about relevant regulations, standards, and industry best practices related to quality compliance, including but not limited to FDA regulations, ISO standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Interpret and communicate regulatory requirements to internal stakeholders and ensure adherence to applicable standards and guidelines
Participate in cross-functional teams to assess compliance risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Compliance Team Cross Training/Back- Up
- Serve as a backup for other members of the compliance team as needed, providing support during periods of high workload, absences, or emergencies.
- Collaborate with other departments to identify opportunities for cross-functional training and knowledge sharing.
Skills that will make you successful
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Strong understanding of Management of Change processes and principles.
- Experience developing and delivering quality training programs.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and quality systems – FSSC 22000, continuous improvement and problem solving.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
- Proven ability to lead and influence teams to achieve compliance objectives.
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in quality program implementation and maintenance
- Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast paced, changing environment.
- Project Management and Organization Skills
- Auditing experience (internal, supplier or third party), certified auditor under a GFSI standard and is a plus.
- Ability to strategize for the team.
- Can prioritize multiple assignments and changing priorities.
Experiences that will support your success
- B.S. Degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or another related field.
- Experience in food, pharmaceutical or related
Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.
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.