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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, Transformational Innovation

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The Sr. Manager of Transformational Innovation is responsible for the management of transformational innovation projects. This role spans the front-end of innovation, driving innovation that transforms the category by changing the way the consumer engages with the category, creating a unique and competitive advantage over competitors, and using complex strategic analysis to achieve transformational goals. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Sr. Manager of Transformational Innovation is responsible for the entire project lifecycle and drives cross-functional collaboration with senior stakeholders.

Ways you will make a difference

Identify transformational opportunities with InTech (R&D)
Conduct strategic analysis of white space opportunities
Lead technical and commercial cross-functional teams to build business cases
Build a solid strategic approach to justify transformational opportunities
Partner with key Senior Leadership Team members and Executive Chairman to ensure alignment
Strategically navigate roadblocks preventing project progress
Own launch recommendations
Responsible for managing flawless transitions to the identified brands

Skills that will make you successful

Growth mindset
Strategic orientation
Problem-solving skills
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Exceptional communication skills

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field required
Minimum 7 years of project management or consulting experience with top tier consulting firm required
Demonstrated people leadership experience
Experience managing projects with executive stakeholders
Experience leading cross-functional teams
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

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.