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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.

PM, Commercialization

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 Commercialization Project Manager is responsible for leading the successful delivery of commercialization projects across the company.  These projects are comprised of New Product Development (NPD), Line Extensions, Minor Graphic or Packaging Changes, Productivity Improvements, or Manufacturing Network changes.  This position leads and coordinates cross-functional project teams and collaborates with nearly every department in the organization directly.  

Ways you will make a difference

  • Lead the cross functional teams to ensure successful delivery of different project types, which includes New Product Development (NPD), Line Extensions, Minor Graphic or Packaging Changes, Productivity Improvements, or Manufacturing Network changes
  • Manage and execute commercialization efforts to integrate new products into the Ferrara portfolio
  • Collaborate with and lead multiple internal cross-functional groups (e.g. Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D, Procurement, Packaging Engineering, etc.)
  • Develop and manage project timelines, success criteria, issues, risks, opportunities, and assumptions
  • Communicates project status updates to Senior Management when requested.  If behind, provides recommendations and/or options to get back on track
  • Hold cross functional team members accountable for delivering his/her tasks on time
  • Ensure effective use of resources, communicate organizational priorities, and drive timely execution of strategically important projects
  • Participate in, follow, and support the Stage Gate process
  • Gather feedback on improving the commercialization and Stage Gate process; support the development, documentation, and implementation of process improvements 
  • Evaluate and recommend go/no-go action based on the viability of a strategic initiative
  • Handle multiple initiatives simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines
  • Perform special projects as required

Skills that will make you successful

  • Results driven
  • Strong work ethic with high sense of urgency, accountability, and initiative
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with an ownership mentality
  • Willingness to attack problems for immediate resolution
  • Ability to function in rapidly changing, post integration environment with multiple sets of stakeholders
  • Effective communicator, both written and verbal, to lead people from various functions and levels
  • Business acumen with strong analytical skills and demonstrated technical competence 
  • Continuous improvement mindset with high tolerance for ambiguity
  • High proficiency in MS Excel and Office Suite
  • Functional user of SAP and MS Project is a plus

Experiences that will support your success

  • Minimum Bachelor's degree, preferably in business, engineering, or related discipline
  • Minimum 4 years of experience working in project management or related role
  • Relevant project management or consulting work is preferred
  • Experience and skill presenting concepts and/or status updates to multiple audiences

 

#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.

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