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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, Research & Development

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?

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Senior Manager to join our R&D team with a strong focus on front-end and whitespace product development. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in driving the creation and enhancement of cutting-edge products, ensuring they meet market demands and exceed customer expectations.

Ways you will make a difference

Lead and manage front-end product development initiatives, focusing on user experience, design, and functionality.
Identify and explore whitespace opportunities to develop innovative products that fill market gaps and drive growth.
Drive category growth by focusing on innovations that meet unmet consumer needs.
Collaborate closely with marketing leads to align product development strategies with market trends and customer needs.
Assist in building business cases for new technologies, providing insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
Manage a team of food scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Foster a culture of innovation within the R&D team, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving.
Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.
Ensure all product development processes adhere to quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Oversee new product development from benchtop ideas to proof of concept and production feasibility.

Skills that will make you successful

Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing and engineering.
Excellent analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
Demonstrated ability to build and present compelling business rationale for new technologies.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Food Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Or other related filed).
Proven experience in front-end product development and whitespace innovation.
Demonstrated expertise in designing experiments, effective trial planning, and comprehensive reporting.

#LI-Onsite

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 $112,500 - $157,000 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