Director, Trade Marketing

Ferrara Candy Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 142,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid time off (PTO)

Health benefits

Job summary

Ferrara Candy Co. seeks a Director of Sales Strategy to lead go-to-market planning and coordinate with the broader organization to grow sales. You will bridge direct sales with multiple functions across the company, shaping strategies, campaigns and budgets for channel growth.

The role emphasizes in-person collaboration, strategic thinking, and partnerships with Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance and R&D to deliver measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or Marketing related field.
• MBA preferred.
• Experience leading sales/marketing teams in consumer goods (CPG) is expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and communication of go-to-market strategies and activities.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Finance and R&D to drive growth.
• Develop ICP, distribution drives, and promotions to support channel growth.
• Budget and execute customer marketing programs tied to big bets and launches.

Skills

Sales strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical mindset

Communication

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Data analytics tools

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.

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 Director, Sales Strategy will lead the planning and communication of go-to-market strategies and activities that profitably grow sales within a defined business. This role plays a key role as a strategic connector between our direct sales organization and nearly every function in the organization.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead the development, management and implementation of sales specific strategies including but not limited to annual operating plans, programs for innovation, distribution drives, assigned campaigns, and promotions to support business growth within a defined channel of distribution; act as the voice of sales to internal partners and voice of marketing to the sales teams
• Leads the annual ICP (Integrated Commercial Planning) process via direction on innovation pack size needs, innovation sizing, distribution drives, customer marketing budgets, SKU rationalization
• Develop a deep understanding of brand strategies and help lead and develop key drivers of growth over the 3 to 36 month horizon
• Develop a deep understanding of channel/customers within channel via a strong partnership with Sales and Category teams & analytical rigor to
  • Help develop and drive the right channel strategy for the brand(s)
  • Identify customizable solutions to further develop the business
• Lead channel customization and major business change activities via strong collaboration with multiple internal cross-functional groups (e.g. Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, R&D, etc.)
• Lead the budgeting and execution of customer marketing programs tied to big bets, innovation launches or customer specific big bets

Skills that will make you successful

• Business acumen with strong analytical skills and demonstrated technical competence
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced high-pressure environment
• Positive attitude with intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Effective communicator who can establish win-win relationships and is comfortable pushing others with diplomacy
• Strategic thought leader
• Demonstrated ability to manage key stakeholders and deliver growth expectations

Experiences that will support your success

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, or Marketing related field; MBA preferred
• Minimum 11 years’ experience in leading highly effective sales, marketing or shopper teams within the CPG industry
• History of communicating and presenting effectively to all levels of the organization, including C-Suite team
• Previous experience working with marketing teams, internal and external stakeholders to develop customer or shopper programs

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 $141,735 to $198,429 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.