Quality Lab Manager

Job Location: ​Franklin Park​

Franklin Park, IL

Company description

Ferrero is a global company that is privately owned by the Ferrero family. The company has grown from the small Italian confectionary shop in Alba, Italy to become the third largest confectionary manufacturer in the world, producing famous market-leading brands such as Nutella®, Tic Tac®, Ferrero Rocher®, and Kinder Joy®.

With recent acquisitions in the US, there has never been a better time to join the Ferrero Group and be extraordinary with us!

About the Role:

This position is located in Franklin Park (Chicago), one of the major Ferrero plant acquired in North America with 700+ employees producing iconic products: Butterfinger, Baby Ruth and Nips.

The Quality Lab/Incoming Supervisor is a key functional and management position in the Ferrero Quality Organization and is in charge of managing the laboratory executing microbiological, chemical, physical and sensorial analysis.

The scope includes incoming materials (raw materials and packaging), semi-finished, finished products and environmental testing.

As a member of the Quality Leadership Team of the plant, this position reports directly to the Head of Quality.

Manage directly a team of 7 members and is actively involved in cross functional work with Production, R&D/Technology and Corporate Central Quality Laboratory located in Europe.

This is a key role in the current transition of the plant to the Ferrero standards: a new Laboratory and new analytical equipment and methodology are introduced under the management of this position.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Laboratory Development and Management

• Contributes to the definition of analytical strategy, in collaboration with the Plant Quality Manager and Central Laboratory;

• Propose new equipment, new methodologies and manages the budget associated;

• Manages outsourced analysis and is the key contact for external labs;

• Ensure that Good Laboratories Practices are met, propose continuous improvement;

• Act as a coach and provide technical support in implementing new methodology or trouble shooting;

• Ensure that Safety Programs are in place;

• Key member of the Food Safety Team.

2. Incoming Raw materials and Packaging Management

• Manage the schedule and program of the Laboratory to ensure that analysis are executed efficiently and in a timely manner

• Organize, coordinates and manages the sampling program defined

• Review the analytical results and provide interpretation

• Based on the interpretation oversees the release the materials by his/her team and issue Non-Conformance in Incoming

• Provide trend analysis to the Quality Manager with recommendation

• Guarantees the correct quality of the results (precision, accuracy) according to regulations and give evidence participating to Ring Test

• Responsible for managing the status of the stock (hold, released and in inspection)

3. Team management

• Management of her/his team to ensure that all activities are performed accurately and on time

• Ensure that all team members are trained on related procedures and operate in compliance with the work instructions and procedures

• Organize work schedule and priorities of her/his team

• Manage the yearly performance evaluation of direct reports

• Manage the development of each team member

Who we are looking for:

EDUCATION

B.Sc Degree in Microbiology and/or Chemistry, Food Science preferred, or other related field

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 4 years in a Quality Lab Supervisor/Manager role in a plant in food industry.

Familiar with Food safety systems, quality systems.

Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices.

Knowledge and experience in Root Cause Analysis

Quality Assurance experience in a food manufacturing environment

Experience of GFSI standards (FSSC 22000, SQF, BRC) required, Quality Standard ISO17025 is a plus.

• People Management experience required.

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills

• Strong communication skills in a multi-cultural environment

• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and deadlines

• Good knowledge and practice of laboratory analysis

• Proficient in computer systems, data analysis, and Microsoft Office, etc.

• Proficiency in SAP is an added advantage.

Compensation Data

The base salary range for this position is $90,770 - $121,027 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. Learn more about our benefits at .

How to be successful in the role and at Ferrero:

Consumers, quality and care are at the heart of everything we do. So, to be successful at Ferrero, you’ll need to be just as consumer and product centric as we are - dedicated to crafting brilliant results for consumers around the world.

Diversity Statement

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 of 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.

Ferrero N.A. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.