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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.

VP, Associate General Counsel, Commercial

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?

As VP, Associate General Counsel – Commercial, you’ll be instrumental in driving that ambition forward. In this high-visibility role, you’ll partner with senior leadership to enable smart, scalable growth through expert legal guidance on commercial strategy. Whether it's structuring multinational distribution deals, leading the company’s corporate governance initiatives, enabling global market entry, or overseeing supplier agreements, your work will power our ability to deliver joy and flavor to consumers worldwide—faster, smarter, and more responsibly.

This role with report to the Chief Legal Officer and will be based at our Corporate Headquarters in downtown Chicago, IL.

Ways you will make a difference

Lead global corporate governance activities, including oversight of board and committee operations, preparation of governance materials, and maintenance of accurate corporate records across Ferrara’s domestic and international legal entities.
Lead legal support for all commercial operations globally, including distributor and co-manufacturer contracts, procurement arrangements, customer agreements, and international expansion initiatives.
Oversee and negotiate a broad range of financial agreements, including treasury and banking arrangements and other finance-related contracts. Partner closely with Ferrara’s Treasury and Finance departments to structure sound, risk-balanced solutions that unlock Ferrara’s capital strategy and global operations.
Serve as a strategic legal advisor to commercial leaders, helping shape and execute business deals that drive revenue and long-term growth while managing risk.
Enhance and scale global contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and policies that support rapid and compliant business growth across regions.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in Sales, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, R&D, International, Finance, and Regulatory to bring new products and partnerships to market.
Oversee a team of two commercial counsels, fostering a high-performance, solutions-oriented culture.
Anticipate legal and regulatory risks in global commercial operations and implement preventative strategies.
Support commercial legal due diligence and integration planning related to M&A, joint ventures, and market entry strategies.
Monitor evolving legal and market developments in the CPG and food & beverage sectors, providing proactive guidance to internal stakeholders.
Select, engage, and manage external counsel where appropriate, to ensure high-quality and cost-effective support.

Skills that will make you successful

Strong commercial instincts with the ability to align legal strategy to business goals in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Expert negotiator with a clear, concise communication style that builds trust across teams and cultures.
High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, enabling effective partnership across global markets.
Proven leadership in managing legal teams and cross-border matters.
Creative problem solver who is proactive, practical, and detail-oriented.
Strong grasp of legal considerations unique to the FMCG industry, including food safety and regulatory compliance.
Comfortable with ambiguity and energized by change and growth.
Familiarity with legal digitization tools, such as contract lifecycle management and eBilling systems.

Experiences that will support your success

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to “waive” into Illinois.
12+ years of relevant legal experience, including time spent in a leading law firm and in-house roles, preferably in the FMCG, food & beverage, or CPG industries.
Deep experience negotiating a wide range of complex commercial contracts across multiple jurisdictions.
Track record supporting international expansion, distributor frameworks, co-manufacturing, and supply chain operations.
Proven success in supporting high-growth, globally scaling companies.

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 $187,200 to $262,080 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