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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.

Sr. Manager, Demand Planning

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 Sr. Demand Planning Manager leads the team of Demand Planners responsible for the demand planning consensus forecast process as part of the corporate S&OP process. The primary responsibility is to create an accurate demand, ensure the right inventory for the right location at the right time with the goal of meeting financial plans, inventory targets and customer service goals. The Sr. Demand Planning Manager will also be instrumental in developing strategies, implementing directives, improving efficiencies and ensuring consistent methodologies to ensure alignment across all channels.

Ways you will make a difference

Leads the Demand Planning team in the creation and maintenance of monthly/weekly, statistical and adjusted demand plans across all product categories and channels.
As a working Manager, develops monthly/weekly forecasts for specific product(s)/customer(s)/channel(s) as assigned.
Partners with marketing, sales and project managers to generate new product initiative forecasts and to ensure product is available and ready to support new product launches.
Owns the demand alignment process (working with sales and marketing). Presents the S&OP forecast in the demand meeting for the assigned business unit, including an overview of key assumptions, risks and opportunities to that forecast.
Leads the generation of demand side inputs of the annual planning process.
Partners with business unit supply planning manager/team to assure forecasts can be translated into actionable supply chain plans that optimize inventory and maximize customer service.
Understand and analyze key business drivers (point-of-sale data, market share, product data, inventory requirements, competitive activity) and drive improvement in the forecasting process with the demand team.
Work closely with sales and category management to understand relationship between trade spending and volume.
Manage root cause process and lead plans to drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy.
Ensure best practices related to monthly S&OP and weekly demand planning are being followed throughout the planning process and drives continuous improvements in the S&OP process.
Build and maintain strong relationships with marketing, sales and other functional teams and utilize those relationships to enhance business performance.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills that will make you successful

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Deep understanding of forecasting analytics and statistical modeling methodologies.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills: Excellent communication skills (oral, written) with significant ability to clearly present information to a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated ability to develop strong partnerships across all functions while fostering a culture of collaboration.
Demonstrated leadership and development of direct reports.
Demonstrated success working in a matrixed organization.
Demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of the organization including Senior Leadership.

Experiences that will support your success

BS/BA in business, statistics, mathematics, economics, supply chain management or similar field required.
5+ years’ experience in supply chain / demand planning or related field including 3+ years managing direct reports and 3+ years of demand forecasting experience.
Experience with continual process improvement methods.
Solid experience in presenting ideas and concepts to varying seniority levels within an organization.
Experience in the industry or in a CPG environment is required.
Proven track record of tangible impact to top/bottom line.

#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.