Demo

Manager, Operations - DeKalb, IL

VetJobs
De Kalb, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/7/2026
Job Description

ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.

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 Operations Manager reports to the Sr. Site Director and is the engine behind our fast-paced candy distribution and packaging operation, leading everything from inbound raw materials to high-volume packaging and final preparation for warehousing and shipment. This role owns the daily execution of packaging operations, ensuring products move efficiently, safely, and accurately through the facility. The day-to-day operations include but are not limited to the management of personnel, overall factory performance, and the strategic planning for ensuring consistent quality of production, product improvement and assisting in new product development processing and launch.

Ways you will make a difference

Ensure team compliance with all safety policies, procedures and GMP’s

Leads effectively through hands on support and visibility on the production floor

Maintain product quality and sanitation standards

Optimize operational efficiencies to support the production, warehouse, and shipping of products

Identify and coordinate operational improvements necessary to deliver the site annual operating plan (AOP). Ensure cost performance gaps are identified, action plans are developed, and resources are properly allocated

Track operational output measures (i.e. efficiency, yield loss, product quality, inventory accuracy, transactional accuracy), anticipating and correcting trends which would compromise achievement of financial targets

Develop and motivate teams to solve day-to-day operational issues and reach short- and long-term performance goals

Deliver effective change leadership to drive business changes while minimizing people impact

Builds people capability through effective employee relations, hiring, training, and communication for front-line hourly and salaried personnel

Flex production plans on a shift-by-shift basis to prevent service issues and operational inefficiencies.

Optimize ingredient and packaging material usage to minimize scrap loss

Coach teams to demonstrate continuous improvement in profitability margins, efficiencies and cost savings initiatives

Auto req ID

469264BR

Minimum Education Required

Bachelors

Job_Category

Management

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities

Skills that will make you successful

Strong knowledge and capability of TPM or lean manufacturing, finance and accounting, project management, leadership, and statistics/logical problem solving.

Solid working knowledge of the following business enterprises: HSE/quality regulatory compliance

Excellent communication, facilitation and influence skills

Ability to give and receive constructive feedback

Ability to lead a team-based approach to decision making

Demonstrated ability to work in a results-oriented, challenging environment

Strong leadership skills with the ability to get results through mentoring others

Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team building skills

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or similar field

Minimum 5 years’ experience in manufacturing preferred. Preferably food/beverage experience

Lean Six Sigma Experience preferred, demonstrated by successful completion of a major improvement project

Experience developing/coaching hourly and supervisory staff

Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications

Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. and operation of manufacturing equipment (including forklifts)

May require off shift/weekend work and limited travel

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.

Compensation

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

Certificates/Security Clearances/Other

City*

DeKalb

State*

Illinois

Job Code

Manufacturing Manufacturing

Affiliate Sponsor

Ferrara

Salary Range

>$100,000

Salary : $102,075 - $142,905

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