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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.

Director, Human Resources

Job Location: ​Chicago​

Want to make an impact?

The Director-HR role will operate as a strategic partner for Ferrara Corporate Headquarters by providing expert advice, acting as a consultant to influence organizational change, and coaching management at all levels to enhance organizational performance and retain human capital.  In addition, the leader will provide support for the talent recruitment and engagement processes, training and overall strategies to ensure employees are engaged, well informed, and aligned with company goals and objectives.

Ways you will make a difference

  • Provide full scope HR Business Partner support for corporate headquarters in areas such as performance management, corrective action, retention, employee relations, workforce planning, hiring, policy and procedure interpretation, compensation, training, etc. 
  • Provide consultation, recommendations, and fact-based guidance to leadership and employees. 
  • Implement HR policies and programs and provide leadership consistent with policy guidelines established.
  • Anticipate and plan for change in HR areas and act as a catalyst for change in the broader organization and serve as a champion of Ferrara’s values and culture. 
  • Navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment as well as comfortably operate with a high level of autonomy. 
  • Influence employees and management at all levels and collaborate with other HR team members to enable the team to achieve short and long term goals.
  • Proactively identify gaps in current practices as compared to future state alignments and implement solutions to fill said gaps.
  • Implement and consistently administers policies and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance including FLSA, ADA, FMLA and others.
  • Maintain integrity and confidentiality of department and employee personnel information.
  • Ensure adherence to all company policies and procedures.  
  • Understand the need and has the ability to be a visible leader within the company as well as provide leader to the HR Manager, HR Coordinator, and Office teams at the Corporate locations. 
  • Highly developed consultative and negotiation skills. 
  • Track record of sound judgment and decision making. 

Skills that will make you successful

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills and leadership to interface with all levels and departments within the organization, along with strong presentation and facilitation skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills in dealing proactively with all levels of internal and external contacts.
  • Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant laws. 
  • Detail oriented with ability to work independently in fast-paced environment.
  • Strong prioritization, organizational skills with a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and customer service orientation.
  • Ability to maintain an extremely high level of confidentiality.

Experiences that will support your success

  • BA/BS in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or directly related discipline
  • Master’s Degree a plus
  • 10-15+ years of measurable success in a full scope HR management role preferably to include time in a consumer packaged goods, or a related operations environment
  • Experience leading an organization through a merger, high growth, or other dynamic change
  • Intermediate to expert level with the Microsoft Office suite
  • Demonstrated customer service orientation with effective interpersonal skills

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.

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