Associate Brand Manager, Holiday & Easter

Ferrara Candy Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking an Associate Brand Manager for Holiday & Easter to lead day-to-day management of the brand portfolio from strategy through execution. You will drive commercial activities to optimize sales, profitability and competitive position.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop short- and long-term brand plans, analyze consumer insights, and manage launches and campaigns that resonate in a fast-paced consumer goods environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field; MBA preferred.
• 3+ years of marketing experience in US Consumer Goods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with IRI or Nielsen data is a plus; SAP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development and deployment of the short-term and long-term brand strategy.
• Assist in development and execution of multi-year portfolio plan by providing appropriate category/consumer/competitive insights and analyses, and by managing key issues and projects in support of business objectives.
• Identify, evaluate and prioritize growth opportunities in partnership with R&D / Consumer Insights, and lead Commercial team in assessing opportunity feasibility and developing go-to-market launch plan.
• Manage portfolio profitability, including assortment optimization, demand forecasting, inventory management, business case assessment and monthly performance reporting.
• Partner with Channel Marketing and Category management teams to ensure Sales efforts aligned with overall portfolio strategy, including creation of selling stories and communication / release of sales-related materials to field team.
• Participate in planning and execution of select shopper and consumer marketing campaigns and activities.

Skills

Project management

Analytical ability

Creative problem solving

Learn quickly

Independent with ambiguity

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

IRI or Nielsen

Job description

At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Associate Brand Manager, Holiday & Easter

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?

The Associate Brand Manager (ABM) position is responsible for the day-to-day management of the brand portfolio. The ABM will assist with all aspects of running the business, from strategy development to design and execution of commercial activities, in order to optimize sales, profitability and competitive position.

Ways you will make a difference

• Contribute to the development and deployment of the short-term and long-term brand strategy.
• Assist in development and execution of multi-year portfolio plan by providing appropriate category/consumer/competitive insights and analyses, and by managing key issues and projects in support of business objectives.
• Identify, evaluate and prioritize growth opportunities in partnership with R&D / Consumer Insights, and lead Commercial team in assessing opportunity feasibility and developing go-to-market launch plan.
• Manage portfolio profitability, including assortment optimization, demand forecasting, inventory management, business case assessment and monthly performance reporting.
• Partner with Channel Marketing and Category management teams to ensure Sales efforts aligned with overall portfolio strategy, including creation of selling stories and communication / release of sales-related materials to field team.
• Participate in planning and execution of select shopper and consumer marketing campaigns and activities.

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong project management skills: Ability to multi-task and to leverage peer influence to drive projects to on-time completion.
• Strong analytical ability
• Strong creative & problem solving ability
• Ability to learn quickly, with agility
• Comfort working independently & with ambiguity
• Desire to operate in fast-paced, hands-on environment

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience
• MBA preferred (in general management or marketing) or
• 3+ years of marketing experience at a US Consumer Goods organization
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Proficiency with IRI or Nielsen a plus
• Proficiency with SAP a plus

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-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $80,325 to $112,455 annually.

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.