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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, Sales Strategy Grocery and Specialty

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The Sr. Manager, Sales Strategy Grocery /Specialty, is a critical driver of customer and brand success, serving as a strategic liaison between internal teams and external Grocery and Specialty customers. This role blends strategic thinking, data-driven insights, and collaborative leadership to deliver commercial excellence and ensure alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and possess the ability to manage multiple priorities while fostering strong cross-functional relationships.

Ways you will make a difference

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership

Lead and collaborate with internal cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Finance, Revenue Management, Category Management, Sales Planning, and Commercialization, to execute brand and customer initiatives effectively.
Act as the "Voice of Sales" in strategic Marketing discussions, ensuring customer needs and sales perspectives are represented.
Build and maintain robust relationships with customer teams, understanding their needs and providing ongoing support to ensure sell-in success and optimal performance.

Customer & Channel Strategy Development

Develop a comprehensive understanding of brands, channels, and customers through SWOT analyses, customer strategies, consumer targets, and competitive landscapes.
Create and execute tailored channel strategies and customer plans that align with national brand initiatives while addressing local market dynamics.
Translate national shopper marketing campaigns into customer-specific programs that drive engagement and sales growth.

Big Bet & Innovation Execution

Support the sell-in of major growth initiatives, including Big Bets and innovation launches, by creating tailored channel and customer strategies.
Track and follow up on Big Bet and innovation performance, ensuring consistent communication and execution.
Lead innovation launch sizing through bottoms-up builds, aligning with customer-specific opportunities.

Customer/Channel Planning & Program Management

Drive channel and customer segmentation strategies, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for maximum impact.
Lead trade promotional planning and provide strategic input to optimize trade spend.
Serve as the key field sales contact, representing customer and sales insights at the headquarters level.
Prepare for critical customer meetings, including T2T (Top-to-Top), JBP (Joint Business Planning), Innovation Summits, and Line Reviews, to ensure alignment and successful outcomes.

Forecasting & In-Year Strategy Adjustment

Provide input into in-year forecasts (PDR support) and trade strategy, ensuring alignment with customer-level insights.
Collaborate with Finance to develop customer-specific P&L models and support IFR processes.
Monitor sales risk and opportunities (R&O) at the customer level, making short-term adjustments to optimize outcomes.

Special Projects & Market Insights

Manage special projects related to strategic customer initiatives and merchandise programs.
Leverage local market insights and consumer data to refine strategies and develop customer-specific programs.
Lead commercialization efforts for customer-specific products, ensuring timely and successful market launches.

Performance Tracking & Evaluation

Track and analyze performance against channel and customer KPIs, providing actionable recommendations to improve results.
Monitor display mix and set targets by customer/channel to maximize execution and ROI.

Skills that will make you successful

Strategic Thinking
Customer-Centric Approach
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Agility and Adaptability
Strong Collaboration and Influencing Skills

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
7+ years of experience in Sales Strategy, Trade Marketing, or related roles within the CPG industry.
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data into actionable strategies.
Proven leadership in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.
Exceptional project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a strong aptitude for relationship building.

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 $120,000 - $170,000.

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.