Sr. Manager, Operations
About this role
Work Location: Orangeburg
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?
Join us at a defining moment.
We’re building the largest food manufacturing facility in our network, a bold investment that will set new standards for scale, technology, and efficiency. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role to build a site from the ground up, shaping the people strategy, culture, and operations that will power our future.
We’re looking for a builder. Someone who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and brings an entrepreneurial mindset. This role requires agility, curiosity, and a hands-on approach. You’ll be solving problems in real time, building processes from scratch, and creating a high-performing, engaged workforce from day one. If you’re driven by impact, ownership, and results, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark.
The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for daily operations and enforces standards of Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and Productivity of the Itasca Factory. The Senior Operations Manager ensures compliance with Ferrara quality and food safety policies, procedures, and applicable standards while overseeing day-to-day production and people management.
Ways you will make a difference
- Oversee day-to-day production activities of finished goods to ensure smooth and efficient plant operation
- Monitor safety, quality, and sanitation standards to ensure compliance with company standards
- Ensure compliance of plant Quality Control programs to meet all Food Safety/Quality objectives in process reliability, product quality, product standards, specifications, and consumer complaint reductions. Monitor operations, evaluate operation efficiencies, and correct errors in a timely manner
- Emphasize Continuous Improvement processes in all aspects of plant operation. Analyze and recommend improvements and modifications to improve overall plant operation efficiencies, quality, costs, safety, and sanitation
- Develop and maintain key results and performance standards; conduct performance evaluations
- Provide guidance, support, and coaching assistance as appropriate to maximize plant effectiveness and maximize operational effectiveness by regular communication with all support functions
- Participate in long-term strategic planning, identifying and defining issues affecting performance and making corrective action plans as well as forecasting expenditures and meeting budgetary requirements
- Prepare reports documenting departmental activities
- Assumes Plant Director responsibilities as needed
Skills that will make you successful
- Strong communication skills
- Adept at building relationships and maintaining a culture of growth, progress, and collaboration
- Operating knowledge of manufacturing equipment
- Leadership skills with ability to motivate and strengthen team and maintain standards of quality
- Fluency operating in a highly digital environment and/or managing digital transformation
Experiences that will support your success
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Management, or related field
- Minimum 7 years of experience in operations management in food manufacturing
- Previous experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment
- Experience leading and developing a team of both hourly and salaried employees in a manufacturing environment (experience working with non-union employees a plus)
- Experience in a work environment with extended work schedules and specific time constraints; flexibility with 24-hour responsibility of plant operations
- LEAN/Six Sigma experience
- Data tracking management system knowledge (e.g. Redzone)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated experience aligning people, process, and structure with ways of working, leadership behaviors, and values that yield a strong, high-performance culture
Why this role is different
This isn’t about maintaining an existing operation, it’s about building, leading, and shaping a site from day one. You’ll sit at the leadership table, build a team and culture that lasts, connect local impact with enterprise strategy, and help establish a strong presence both inside the plant and in the Orangeburg community.
What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include 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-Benefits-Resource-Center
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $98,843 - $138,381 annually.
Company at a glance
For generations, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers. Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S. with global sales in more than 60 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,400 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products. A career at Ferrara means you’re an integral member of a wider community. Ferrara Group is a part of a global family of distinct yet connected companies united by a passion for quality, innovation and delight.
In the U.S., more than 91 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co has earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s.
A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago, with a network of more than 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.
Top Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Financial Wellness
- Paid Time Off
- Annual Bonus
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