McKenna Kallianis
Chicago,IL
Summary
Manufacturing professional with a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering and Mathematics, bringing cross‑functional experience across EHS, Quality Leadership, Continuous Improvement, and Site Finance. Developed a holistic operations mindset through a Manufacturing Leadership Program, leading frontline teams, driving KPI improvements, and delivering cost‑savings initiatives. Recognized for translating plant‑level execution into measurable safety, quality, and financial results.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Financial Analyst
Ferrara Candy
Bellwood, Illinois
09.2025 - Current
- Final rotation in a comprehensive manufacturing leadership program
- Owned site financial reporting: collaborated with Operations to translate performance data into actionable insights that informed decision-making
- Supported budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to enhance financial planning in a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Led cross-functional cost-savings initiatives across MUV, LUV, and FOH to identify opportunities for operational efficiency
- Collaborated on overfill reduction projects generating over 5M in network savings
- Support the Dekalb site on a 3 week "special forces initiative" driving cost saving projects of over 1.2M and OEE improvements of almost 10% across multiple packaging lines
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Ferrara Candy
Fairfield, California
11.2024 - 08.2025
- Relocated halfway through my second rotation to address critical business needs and support the merge of Jelly Belly to Ferrara
- Deployed CI tools within daily management systems and implemented lean manufacturing mindset
- Drove site OEE packaging performance from 46% to 71%
- Reduced overfill on packaging lines by almost 70% which generated savings around 500K for the remainder of the fiscal year
Quality Supervisor
Ferrara Candy
Itasca, Illinois
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Second role of manufacturing leadership program with a focus on developing leadership skills
- Co‑led and supervised a team of 24 Quality and Sanitation associates across multiple shifts
- Led quality improvement initiatives that helped drive down weekly critical defects by 60%
- Collaborated with operations to conduct investigations and drive down consumer complaints by 30%
- Ensured compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory quality systems and helped lead yearly FSSC audit
EHS Specialist
Ferrara Candy
Forest Park, Illinois
07.2023 - 08.2024
- First role in a manufacturing leadership program to gain foundational skills
- Led site EHS initiatives and Safety Committee activities within a manufacturing environment
- Implemented network wide standardized safety processes and proactive risk-based practices
Education
Professional Online Course Certificate - CFI Corporate Finance Foundations
Corporate Finance Institute
11-2025
Professional Online Course Certificate - Financial Management
Duke University
Durham, NC08-2025
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL05-2023
Skills
- Data visualization
- Continuous improvement
- Process optimization
- Problem solving
- Leadership
- Analytical research
Certification
Osha 30 Hour
Affiliations
Volunteer - Chicago Engineer Foundation
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Timeline
Financial Analyst
Ferrara Candy
09.2025 - Current
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Ferrara Candy
11.2024 - 08.2025
Quality Supervisor
Ferrara Candy
08.2024 - 11.2024
EHS Specialist
Ferrara Candy
07.2023 - 08.2024
Professional Online Course Certificate - CFI Corporate Finance Foundations
Corporate Finance Institute
Professional Online Course Certificate - Financial Management
Duke University
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
The University of Alabama