Senior Production Manager, Kinder Bueno (Bloomington, IL, US)

About the Role: We have a current opening for a Senior Production Manager, Kinder Bueno and are actively reviewing applications. Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for leading, directing, and overseeing all day-to-day production operations for Kinder Bueno, ensuring that operational objectives, production targets, and quality standards are consistently achieved in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. You will provide strategic and operational leadership to the production team, driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and the development of innovative solutions to enhance product quality, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance. You will serve as a key point of reference for all activities related to product development, process optimization, and innovation. Through effective leadership, collaboration, and resource management, you will ensure alignment with company objectives while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. You will be responsible for upholding and promoting all company policies, procedures, and operational standards, with particular emphasis on food safety, quality assurance, environmental responsibility, and health and safety.

Main Responsibilities:

Production & Operational Management

• Lead and oversee daily production activities to ensure production schedules, operational targets, and delivery commitments are consistently met.
• Ensure finished products are manufactured in accordance with established quality standards, specifications, and production timelines.
• Manage, support, and continuously develop a team of Production Supervisors, providing direction, guidance, and accountability to ensure effective execution of production plans.
• Partner with the Planning Department and Production Supervisors to develop, coordinate, and execute weekly production schedules.
• Monitor production performance, identify operational challenges, and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on identifying and eliminating technical, technological, and operational challenges across production lines.
• Identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes, improve equipment performance, reduce waste, and maximize operational efficiency.
• Coordinate the implementation of new projects, including production lines, product formats, processes, and technological improvements within the assigned area.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including but not limited to R&D, supply chain, and quality and food safety to support product development, process innovation, and the introduction of new manufacturing capabilities.

Budget, Maintenance & Resource Management

• Play a key role in the development, management, and monitoring of the budget, including maintenance, capital investments, production costs, general expenses, and energy consumption.
• Establish maintenance priorities and coordinate interventions in collaboration with the RDM and Maintenance Manager.
• Contribute to the development, review, and continuous improvement of preventive maintenance plans to maximize equipment reliability and operational performance.
• Ensure resources are effectively allocated to support production objectives while maintaining cost controls and operational efficiency.

Leadership & People Development

• Translate and communicate company objectives into clear goals and expectations for the management team.
• Provide effective leadership, coaching, and development to Production Supervisors and their teams.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and establish development opportunities to strengthen individual and team performance.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with labor unions and provide guidance and support to UGP management on effective labor relations practices.

Safety, Quality & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) across all production activities.
• Promote and reinforce a strong culture of food safety, product quality, and health and safety throughout the production organization.
• Partner with the ISEE Manager to develop and implement initiatives that improve environmental performance and sustainability.
• Ensure employees understand and consistently adhere to applicable regulatory requirements, company standards, and safe operating practices.

About You:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field required.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing or production management. Experience working in a chocolate / confectionery manufacturing or industrial production environment highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing production operations, managing teams, and achieving operational and financial performance objectives.
• Strong understanding of raw materials, manufacturing processes, production technologies, quality control, cost management, and production optimization.
• Solid knowledge of business and management principles, including strategic planning, budgeting, resource allocation, workforce planning, leadership, and operational coordination.
• Knowledge of employee relations, labor relations, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), personnel development, and conflict resolution.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities for improvement, solve complex operational challenges, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Working knowledge of production equipment, machinery, and fundamental operating principles within the assigned production area.

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 compensation range for this position is $135,453 - $180,604. 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.