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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.

Travel & Expense Manager

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 Travel & Expense Manager responsible for a best-in-class corporate travel program that balances employee experience and risk management at scale. This position provides strategic and operational leadership across global travel policies, supplier partnerships, and travel technologies, while serving as a trusted partner to P&O, Finance, & Procurement. Through strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration, this role looks to create seamless travel experience that supports business objectives and delivers value to the organization.

Ways you will make a difference

Create, update, and enforce corporate travel policies (airfare classes, hotel standards, approval processes, expense limits, etc.).
Align travel policies with HR, Finance, and Risk/Legal requirements.
Ensure travel management platform (Concur) reflects travel policy in rules and operational workflows within the system.
Negotiate contracts with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and travel management companies (TMCs).
Maintain relationships with travel vendors to secure preferred rates and perks.
Evaluate supplier performance and manage service-level agreements.
Identify savings opportunities (consolidated booking, negotiated fares, compliance enforcement).
Work with Finance/Procurement on budgeting and reporting.
Ensure employee safety during travel (tracking travelers, providing emergency support).
Partner with security/risk teams for crisis response (political unrest, natural disasters, health emergencies).
Manage compliance with local and international regulations (e.g., visa rules, tax implications).
Monitor key performance indicators (e.g., cost per trip, policy compliance, traveler satisfaction).
Prepare regular reports to senior leadership team members
Use data to recommend improvements in cost efficiency and employee experience

Skills that will make you successful

Problem Solving – Ability to proactively identify and assess problems and implement appropriate solutions that demonstrate understanding of team strategies and objectives
Verbal/Written Communication – Ability to adapt to and utilize multiple communication styles to effectively communicate in a concise detailed manner
Interpersonal Skills – Ability to calmly listen, assess and clarify problems and respond with solutions
Team/Independence – Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Organizational – Ability to plan and prioritize work effectively

Experiences that will support your success

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field
4-6 years of experience related to travel policies, travel management, and procurement processes
Proven experience working with executive management
Having global exposure & collaborating with partners/vendors across different countries
Working at a top tier travel firm/agency is a plus
Experience with AMEX is a plus

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we’re proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and 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 role is $ $99,600-139,440 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