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, International Marketing

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?

The Sr. Manager, International Marketing for Nerds will have the opportunity to substantially influence Ferrara’s growth trajectory and elevation as a global leader.  

 

Reporting to the VP International Marketing, the Sr. Manager, International Marketing will be charged to develop best-in-class marketing & launch plans, strategy & process for existing and new markets, while liaising with Global and Local teams.

 

The role is based in Chicago, Illinois and will require 25-30% travel.

Ways you will make a difference

  • Leads Nerds strategy, portfolio & innovation development and management in-line with 5-year strategic plans across several markets across Europe, Americas & APAC including motivating cross-functional teams and local markets to deliver launches on time.
  • Translate brand growth objectives into an annual plan to drive the right objectives globally.
  • Deep understanding & proper implementation of brand guidelines in the local markets and liaise with brand counterparts to drive global brand platforms, executing global brands with consistency and excellence.
  • Lead a cross-functional team to deliver key global innovations on time, ensuring local market alignment and proposing alternatives as needed and in partnership with insights function asses and lead innovation & global consumer research across current and emerging markets.
  • Build & deliver the annual marketing plans inclusive of a prioritized mix of marketing activities & investment levels supporting brand launches and continued growth, in partnership with local markets and relevant cross functional teams.
  • Own and manage the creative asset vault, leading global key idea development and ensuring proper implementation and support across all markets.
  • Develop and deploy the launch commercialization toolkit, media guidelines & social/digital media strategy, ensuring consistent brand execution in partnership with local teams.
  • Lead international agency relationships and ecosystem, leveraging the scale of Ferrara to disrupt the confection category globally.
  • Drive projects forward with a culture of collaboration, with multiple stakeholders including local markets and counterparts in manufacturing, operations, finance, R&D, commercialization and supply 
  • Support the on-going management, continued evolution, and application of the international growth strategy, providing respective inputs into key senior level decision forums.
  • Preparation for relevant senior leadership share outs.
  • Own rigorous tracking of budget and understand the P&L impact.
  • Lead 1 direct report

Skills that will make you successful

  • Strong leadership: ability to inspire, motivate, and guide resources to a common goal and vision
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills: empathy, integrity, enthusiasm, collaborative, driving consensus
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. Strong listening skills and ability to work with senior leaders – inside and outside of the organization - to understand their goals and objectives
  • Strategic thinking: able to “see around corners”, synthesize insights from disparate data sources, and form convicted, high-accountability recommendations
  • Desire to be a supportive and proactive business partner across the organization

Experiences that will support your success

  • Bachelor’s degree, MBA preferred
  • 10+ years’ experience in brand marketing or applicable consulting roles
  • 5+ years of people management experience 
  • Min 3+ years of experience working on international, global, multicultural projects
  • CPG industry expertise required with a preference in FMCG

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 $112,425 to $157,395 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