Work Location: Chicago

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

As VP, Manufacturing – North America, you will lead a network of eight plants across the U.S. and Mexico and guide a 3,000+ member workforce toward a new era of world class performance, innovation, and cultural alignment. You will drive safety, quality, cost, service, and innovation—while working to deliver manufacturing excellence, elevating operational standards—and optimize a growing and ambitious company. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary manufacturing leader to cultivate a next-generation leadership pipeline.

This position reports to the Chief Manufacturing Officer.

The role is based at our headquarters in Chicago, Illinois and will require 40-60% travel.

Ways you will make a difference

Following are examples but not fully representative of the responsibilities and areas of impact:

Safety

Drive year-over-year reductions in safety incidents and severity
Partner with the Site Directors and VP of EHS to of a multi-year safety capital investment plan to improve conditions across all facilities

Quality

Ensure every plant consistently reduces the absolute number of consumer complaints and complaints per million units
Implement rigorous process checks across all shifts to ensure compliance with specifications
Partner with Quality, R&D, and Marketing to optimize products, specifications, and processes

Cost

Champion Lean/Six Sigma to build and execute plant-level strategic improvement plans
Improve OEE
Deliver annual productivity and hard-dollar savings to offset inflation
Balance wage pressures with workforce capability, engagement, and retention
Partner with Site Directors and functional VP’s and appropriate Sr. Directors to shape and execute the Strategic Capital Plan
Meet fixed and variable cost targets across the network

Service

Ensure product availability delivering attainment, adherence and achievement of OTIF (On Time In Full) goals
Partner with Supply Planning to optimize run lengths, changeovers, and inventory levels

Innovation

Support a fast-paced innovation pipeline while managing risk and execution feasibility
Evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies and new manufacturing methods

Employee Engagement & Leadership

Build a high-performing work environment in both union and non-union facilities
Develop and mentor a world-class leadership team that grows talent for the broader organization
Foster a culture rooted in continuous improvement, agility, and accountability

Skills that will make you successful

Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and mobilize large, diverse teams
Deep expertise in TPM, Lean, Six Sigma, and large-scale manufacturing transformation
Exceptional strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making ability
Strong financial and operational acumen with the ability to manage large budgets
Highly skilled in influencing across functions and driving alignment with executive peers
Adept at managing complexity, ambiguity, and high-growth environments
Excellent communicator with strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to build trust, foster engagement, and create a culture of continuous improvement

Experiences that will support your success

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in consumer food manufacturing or fast-moving consumer goods
Strong track record leading large, multi-site manufacturing networks, including international facilities (e.g., Mexico, Canada)
Demonstrated success in Lean/Six Sigma transformation with sustainable cultural and operational results
Experience managing both union and non-union environments
Proven background in post-merger or acquisition integration within manufacturing operations
Experience developing and delivering multi-year capital strategies and network design plans
Hands-on leadership approach with the ability to connect deeply with plant and frontline teams
Proven ability to develop talent, build high-performing teams, and manage organizational change
Strong capability with budget development, cost management, and performance metrics
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field required
Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Engineering or related discipline) strongly preferred

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 $211,875 - 296,625 annually.

Ferrara

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VP, Manufacturing - North America