Create Alert

Apply now »

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.

Director, Grocery West - Grocery Pillar

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

Reporting to the VP of Sales for the Grocery Pillar, the Director of Grocery West, will develop, plan and help drive business initiatives through collaboration with cross functional partners to achieve company objectives while managing the complex array of customers in the West. This includes the management and development of (5) Account Managers of varying levels and accounts. He/she will lead in plan development across the Everyday Confections, Fruit Snacks and Seasonal businesses to deliver profitable, sustainable growth and share gains for Ferrara.

*NOTE - This role can be remote*

Ways you will make a difference

Manage direct customer relationships across the indirect and direct customer base in the West while developing the account manager team. This includes developing and executing the optimal account plans and programs to deliver our annual goals and objectives.
Manage and engage the Ferrara Broker partners and network for effective development and execution of our annual goals and initiatives
Develop Performance objectives and measurements for five direct reports that align with employee’s career development and aspirational goals
As part of the Grocery Leadership Team - participate and support key Pillar growth initiatives and strategies
Lead coordination and development of JBP’s, QBRs, Innovation Summits, Strategic Customer & Commercial Reviews with customer SVP-VP, Directors and internal CCO/CMO audiences.
Lead the Sales annual process, coordinating all cross-functional needs, adhering to Ferrara timelines: Modular Line Reviews, Feature Submissions, Samples, Item Setup, Forecasting, Monthly Demand Reviews, and Annual Planning
Build and retain long-term, collaborative relationships for Ferrara with retailer executives via excellent customer-service and account penetration
Establish internal relationships to effectively influence and collaboratively achieve business objectives and outcomes
Develop and implement 2-3 year plans and strategies to deliver profitable, sustainable growth on Ferrara businesses
Lead in development and support execution of contingency plans to maximize growth while mitigating risks
Effective cross-functional collaboration with Category Leadership, Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Finance, and Retail Merchandising to maximize customer execution and business results
Own the Grocery West IBP process and forecasts accuracy
Meet or exceed company growth objectives while adhering to trade budgets and guidelines
Provide constructive input and feedback to continuously improve Ferrara processes
Demonstrate the company’s core values
Adhere to company policies and procedures
Perform other duties as assigned

Skills that will make you successful

Preferred to reside in the Western geography (PST-CSTs Time Zones). Ability to travel as required
Track record of leading an effective and engaged team
A Collaborative & Influential Self-starter who proactively identifies business risks and opportunities with drive to pursue initiatives
Detail oriented. Strong organization skills and ability to manage processes effectively
Analytical mindset. Understanding of Retailer data and syndicated data (IRI)
Ability to influence through fact-based recommendations, and create and deliver strong presentations across functions and levels, internally and externally

Experiences that will support your success

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree is a plus
Minimum of 8 years of Sales experience working with Grocery Retailers or similiar
Minimum of 2 years of people management
Expertise in understanding and executing merchandising strategies and execution in Confections, Fruit Snacks and Seasonal categories
Experience in P&L management and sales forecasting
Experience in Customer/Channel Marketing, Category Management, and/or Sales Operations is a plus
Experience working in Confections is a plus
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint

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.