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.

Project Manager, Supply Chain Continuity

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?

This position will be responsible for scoping, prioritizing, and executing projects related to maintaining the consistency and quality of our products. This position will also serve as the primary point of contact to manage execution of supply chain material and operational escalations, inclusive of providing status updates to cross-functional partners and executive leadership, where applicable. 

Ways you will make a difference

  • Execute pipeline of project opportunities and support development of portfolio priority based on in-flight projects and competing priorities within the organization
  • Aid in the development of business cases to estimate qualitative and quantitative project value
  • Collaborate with and manage multiple internal cross-functional groups (e.g. Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D, Procurement, Packaging Engineering, etc.) to ensure successful project delivery
  • Provide tactical project management support by creating project plans, influencing stakeholders to buy into project delivery, and leading meetings to review project health/status 
  • Hold cross functional team members accountable for delivering his/her tasks in a timely manner
  • Communicate project status updates to Senior Management; if initiatives fall behind, provide recommendations and/or options to get back on track
  • Evaluate and recommend go/no-go action based on the viability of a strategic initiatives impacting respective seasons
  • Gather feedback on improving the Stage Gate process; support the development, documentation, and implementation of process improvements
  • Handle multiple initiatives simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines to enable successful delivery
  • Perform special projects as required

Skills that will make you successful

  • Willingness to attack problems for immediate resolution
  • Strong work ethic with high sense of urgency, accountability, and initiative
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with an ownership mentality
  • Ability to function in rapidly changing, environment with multiple sets of stakeholders 
  • Continuous improvement mindset with high tolerance for ambiguity
  • Excellent time management, communication, and presentation skills 

Experiences that will support your success

  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the following: Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Food Science, or Engineering 
  • 4+ years of project management experience, ideally in consulting or other CPG firm
  • Knowledge of technical functions such as planning, procurement, manufacturing, or R&D 
  • Financial analysis and/or cost accounting experience within a manufacturing business 
  • Demonstrated track record of managing complex cross-functional projects across multiple business functions
  • Experience managing a program/portfolio consisting of multiple projects and communicating project status and risks to executive leadership 
  • Experience in standard MS Office tools 
  • Understanding of corporate governance and organizational behavior
  • Familiarity with ad-hoc reporting from SAP and BI systems preferred 
  • Functional user of SAP and MS Project preferred
  • PMP or ASCM Certification a plus 

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 to $120,000 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