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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Analyst, Distribution

Job Location: Chicago

This role is based out of our corporate HQ located in downtown Chicago and will be a hybrid in-person/remote role.

Want to make an impact?

The Distribution Center Analyst will play a critical role in optimizing and managing distribution center operations. You will be responsible for analyzing billing and routing processes, collaborating with 3PL partners, and assisting with automation and Warehouse Management System (WMS) improvements. The role will require you to work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure that distribution processes are optimized for cost efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Ways you will make a difference

Analyze billing data to ensure accurate invoicing and drive cost efficiency within the distribution center.
Assess and analyze routing for the repack center, identifying inefficiencies and providing solutions for improvement.
Collaborate with 3PL partners to ensure optimal performance and identify areas of improvement in operations.
Coordinate between network optimization, 3PL partners, transportation, and sibling entities to ensure the proper distribution plan during the tactical horizon.
Assist in the execution and implementation of automation projects aimed at streamlining distribution center processes.
Provide day-to-day support for the Warehouse Management System (WMS), including troubleshooting issues, implementing system upgrades, and training teams on best practices.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and procurement, to ensure alignment on distribution strategies and cost-saving initiatives.
Generate actionable insights through data analysis and reporting to help drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Participate in network optimization activities, focusing on how to better structure the distribution network and reduce costs.
Maintain strong communication and collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure distribution-related processes are meeting business goals.

Skills that will make you successful

Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex data sets and provide actionable insights for process improvements.
Problem-Solving Skills: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify inefficiencies and create effective solutions.
Attention to Detail: A high level of accuracy and attention to detail in both data analysis and operational processes.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and external partners.
Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, both within the company and with 3PL partners and other external stakeholders.
Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of Excel for data analysis; experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI preferred.
Warehouse Management System (WMS): Experience with WMS is preferred, including system troubleshooting and optimization.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment, particularly in automation and process improvements.
Process Improvement: Knowledge of lean principles and process improvement methodologies to drive operational efficiencies.
Business Acumen: Understanding of distribution center operations, cost management, and logistics processes.

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
1-3 years of experience in distribution, supply chain, or logistics is preferred, but strong entry-level candidates with internships or co-op experiences will also be considered.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required; experience with Tableau, Power BI, or other data visualization tools is a plus.
Prior experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a plus, but not mandatory.
Experience collaborating with 3PL partners and cross-functional teams is desirable.

#LI-AG1

Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.