Director, Learning & Development

Ferrero SpA; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Learning and Development to shape the future of employee growth. This pivotal role involves designing impactful learning programs, collaborating across departments, and evaluating their effectiveness. You will lead a passionate team, manage budgets, and stay ahead of industry trends to ensure our initiatives align with strategic objectives. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to make a significant impact on professional development, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a company that values innovation and the continuous growth of its people.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO)

Annual bonus based on company performance

Comprehensive health benefits

Financial wellness programs

Qualifications

• 10+ years in leadership development and organizational learning.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement learning programs aligning with company goals.
• Evaluate learning initiatives through feedback and performance metrics.
• Lead a team of learning professionals, enhancing their skills.

Skills

Long-term planning

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Project management

Data analysis

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

Master’s degree

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

E-learning tools

Job description

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.

Job Location: Chicago

Want to make an impact?

The Director of Learning and Development will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs that enhance the leadership capabilities and professional growth of employees across the organization. This position requires a collaborative approach, working closely with various departments to assess training needs, develop strategic learning initiatives, and evaluate their effectiveness to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

This role will report to the VP, Talent Management & DEI.

This role is located at our headquarters at the Old Post Office in downtown Chicago and aligns to our hybrid model of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Ways you will make a difference

Program Design and Implementation: Create and execute comprehensive learning programs that align with the strategic objectives of the company and departments, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of employees.
Collaboration and Integration: Partner with HR, senior leadership, and other departments to seamlessly integrate leadership development into talent processes.
Program Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of learning initiatives through participant feedback, assessments, and performance metrics, making data-informed adjustments as necessary.
Team Leadership: Lead and coach a team of learning professionals, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and capabilities.
Industry Insight: Stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in learning and development, leveraging this knowledge to innovate and refine our programs continuously.
Budget Management: Oversee budgets related to learning initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation that aligns with strategic priorities.

Skills that will make you successful

• Ability to develop long-term plans that align learning and development initiatives with organizational goals.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders including executives.
• Mastery in managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to inform decision-making and program improvements.
• Adaptability in response to changing business environments and evolving workforce needs.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• A proven track record of at least 10+ years in leadership development and organizational learning, with demonstrated success in creating impactful learning experiences.
• Experience in identifying and collaborating with external vendors to develop unique development opportunities for employees and leaders.
• Strong understanding of technology enablers and the digital learning landscape, along with proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS) and e-learning tools.
• In-depth knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.

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 Ferrara Benefits Resource Center.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $127,600 - $178,600 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 Ferrara or LinkedIn.

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.