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.

L&D Manager, Corporate

Work Location: ​Chicago​

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

At Ferrara, we don’t just make candy, we create moments of joy. And that starts with our people. As Manager of Learning & Development, you’ll help shape the kind of workplace where curiosity is rewarded, leaders are developed and learning drives performance. Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, you’ll have the chance to design high-impact experiences that unlock talent, strengthen capabilities, and power our bold growth agenda.

Ways you will make a difference

  • Build strategic, business-aligned learning programs that address capability gaps, elevate talent, and tie directly to Ferrara’s priorities.

  • Manage end-to-end program delivery across Ferrara’s learning portfolio, from content development to vendor management to budget oversight.

  • Partner with HRBPs and business leaders to bring learning into the flow of work and ensure programs meet both functional and enterprise needs.

  • Drive insights with metrics—develop KPIs, track outcomes, and continuously refine offerings for even bigger impact.

  • Evaluate program effectiveness and apply insights to improve experiences, outcomes, and business value.

  • Foster a culture of learning and curiosity, embedding feedback loops and encouraging experimentation with a growth mindset.
  • Support internal capability building by facilitating sessions and sharing L&D best practices across the business.

Skills that will make you successful

  • Demonstrated success designing and launching learning programs at scale

  • Strong facilitation, communication, and influencing skills—able to earn trust and alignment across functions and levels

  • Proven collaboration skills, especially with HRBPs and cross-functional partners

  • Strategic thinker who thrives in dynamic, fast-moving environments

  • Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into action
  • Skilled in using Learning Management Systems to support enterprise learning at scale

  • Experience managing vendor relationships and learning budgets

Experiences that will support your success

  • Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Master’s in Organizational Development, HR, or a related field a plus
  • 5–7 years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, Talent Development, or Organizational Effectiveness

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 $99,600-139,440 annually.

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.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago