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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, R&D - Acquired Sugar Portfolio

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The Sr. Manager, R&D – Acquired Sugar Portfolio will lead a Product Development team for newly acquired international portfolio and works closely with Marketing/Business team to develop and deliver products according to strategies at Ferrara Candy Company. The position involves management of R&D members located locally in Chicago, as well as globally. Active participation in technical programs and management of personnel, is also required. Position will have the opportunity for growth into a larger leadership role within Ferrara Candy Company R&D.

This position reports to the Chief Innovation Officer and will be located in Chicago at the Old Post Office. Travel is ~35%, international and domestic (local Chicagoland) facilities.

Ways you will make a difference

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Effectively manage product development priorities for different regions of the Globe, and associated governance protocols.
Assumes primary responsibility for implementation of technical programs for renovations, innovations, product improvements and commercialization programs in support of identified business plan objectives.
Identifies innovative product and process solutions to meet consumer, customer and business needs as a strategic driver for business growth.
Identifies and documents internal and external resource needs to support agreed upon development programs. Effectively uses all available resources.
Lead in-plant technical programs in support of improved product processing and commercialization.
Ensure legal, regulatory and quality standards are met during commercialization of food products.
Leads hands-on development activities as required to meet project objectives. This will involve at times performing the tasks normally conducted by food technologists and project leaders.
Communicates effectively cross-functionally and across diverse levels within and outside the organization.
Effectively manages small groups/teams, effectively using all available resources.
Identifies and explores new areas of technical opportunities.
Ensures adherence to all company policies and procedures.
Understands and demonstrates the Company’s core values.
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.

Experience creating products for different markets and cultures, across the globe.
Ability to collaborate on concepts generation to unlock strategic opportunities.
Ability to translate concepts into products and processes that satisfy consumer and market needs with low-cost producer criteria.
Demonstrated ability to combine technical knowledge with management skills.
Demonstrated understanding of product development requirements.
Ability to bring clear direction on learning plans in ambiguous situations.
Ability to make complex decisions.
Ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical team members.
Strong Understanding of Food/CPG industry
Computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor of Food Science
Masters or certification preferred
Minimum of 7-10 years Product Development
Experience with at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
Language Fluency a benefit: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian
Project Management: Minimum 5 years of managing multiple projects across technical programs.
People Management: Minimum 3 years of managing personnel

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 @ https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $112,400 - $157,400 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.