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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.

Category Strategy Manager, Fruit Snacks

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The Category Strategy Manager will manage an assigned category; and develop, embed and measure category stories, distribution and shelving guidance for that category. Collaborating closely with the Brand, SSCM and the Category Leadership team, the position is responsible for developing critical insights and solutions, including strategic and tactical category action plans, to address complex business opportunities. This requires triangulation of various data sets, leveraging analytical tools, and delivering succinct layered storytelling to transform category & shopper insights into impactful retailer activations.

Ways you will make a difference

Analyze multiple sources of data (e.g., Syndicated data, 3P insights platforms, shopper research) to define category opportunities and develop short and long-term category solutions as well as set targets/KPIs for area of responsibility.
Develop Category Strategy three-year strategic roadmap as well as annual plans, align with key stakeholders and leaders.
Enable the Category Leadership team through development and maintenance of the perfect store playbook, which includes shopper based distribution and shelving guidelines.
Prepare and present compelling shopper and category stories to influence customer category activations as well as internal strategies.
Cultivate and manage relationship with cross functional partners in Brand and Sales Strategy.
Maintain and leverage the Perfect Store Scorecard to ensure progress.

Skills that will make you successful

Analytical, critical thinker
Cross functional relationship development with excellent communication and influencing skills
Organized with strong planning skills
High tolerance for ambiguity
Business Acumen
Innovative, agile, and creative
Action-oriented
Ability to travel 5-10%

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor’s Degree
4-6 years of experience in commercial functions in consumer goods, preferably in confections or other high velocity impulse categories (FMCG); with 2+ years specifically in Category Management
Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and executing category management activities
Knowledge/experience with POG tools a plus
Strong project management abilities. Capable of prioritizing and handling multiple projects simultaneously under tight time constraints and within budget parameters
Solid knowledge of syndicated data sources (e.g. Circana, Nielsen, Mintel, Numerator, Kantar, Retailer Loyalty platforms, etc.)
High proficiency in MS Excel, MS PowerPoint

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO).

Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance.

Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $153,000.

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.