Production Manager

About the Role:

We have a current opening for a Plant Production Manager and are actively reviewing applications.

 

At Ferrero, the Plant Production Manager, will play a pivotal leadership role—owning the performance, people, and continuous improvement of a key product unit. This is an opportunity to shape operations, develop high-performing teams, and drive world-class manufacturing standards in a globally recognized organization.

 

Schedule:

  • Monday-Friday, typical daytime hours
  • Must have flexibility to support off shift and weekends, as needed.

Main Responsibilities:

•    Own end-to-end production performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
•    Ensure products are manufactured to the highest quality standards and delivered on time
•    Drive efficiency by optimizing labor, materials, energy, and equipment utilization
•    Monitor and improve line performance, waste reduction, and overall productivity
•    Lead, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and production teams to achieve operational excellence
•    Build a high-performance culture through engagement, accountability, and continuous feedback
•    Identify training and development opportunities to strengthen team capability
•    Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives across production lines
•    Identify opportunities to increase capacity, reduce waste, and improve processes
•    Partner cross-functionally (Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain) to solve problems and drive innovation
•    Support new projects and ensure successful execution of operational improvements
•    Manage and deliver against production, maintenance, and cost budgets
•    Contribute to investment planning and capital improvement initiatives
•    Partner in energy and sustainability programs to reduce environmental impact
•    Ensure responsible use of resources and alignment with business targets
•    Champion a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with health & safety standards
•    Enforce GMP and food safety requirements across all production activities
•    Proactively identify risks and implement corrective actions

About You:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field 
•    4–7 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment 
•    Proven ability to lead teams, drive engagement, and develop talent 
•    Strong business acumen across operations, cost management, and resource planning 
•    Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) 
•    Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills 
•    Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, and multicultural environment

 

 

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

What We Offer:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

 

The base salary range for this position is $148,000- $198,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.

 

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. 

 

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

 


Nearest Major Market: Chicago