Lead, Sample Room

Ferrero SpA; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrara in DeKalb, IL is seeking a Sample Room Lead to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring accurate preparation, packaging, and shipment of product samples for customers, brokers, sales teams, leadership, and marketing initiatives.

You will coordinate shipments through UPS, FedEx, USPS, and other carriers, maintain inventory, and train backup personnel. The role demands strong organization, detail, and teamwork to support launches and events.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years in sample fulfillment, inventory management, shipping/logistics, customer service, warehouse operations, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments preferred.
• Experience using shipping systems such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS preferred.
• Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and quality systems preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Sample Room operations, prioritizing and coordinating sample requests to support business objectives and customer needs.
• Prepare, package, and fulfill product samples for customers, brokers, sales teams, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate shipments through UPS, FedEx, USPS, and other carriers to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Generate and maintain product labels for sample products, repacks, and relabeled items.
• Create and assemble sample kits, product mockups, gift boxes, trade show materials, and promotional packages.
• Support new product launches and customer presentations through sample preparation and organization.
• Maintain inventory of products, packaging materials, shipping supplies, and Sample Room resources.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and timely replenishment of supplies to support ongoing business needs.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations to support customer and business initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of sample requests, shipments, and inventory usage.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready Sample Room environment.
• Train and provide guidance to backup personnel and temporary employees as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, organization, and service levels within Sample Room operations.
• Support special projects, trade shows, promotional events, and company initiatives as assigned.
• Work extended hours and/or weekends when necessary to meet critical deadlines and business demands.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent worker

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Process improvement

Safety oriented

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

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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.

Position requires ability to work overtime. As a result, it may require working varying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.

Core hours: 6:30am-3:00pm

Want to make an impact?

The Sample Room Lead is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Sample Room, ensuring the accurate preparation, packaging, and shipment of product samples that support customers, brokers, sales teams, leadership, marketing initiatives, trade shows, and special events. This role serves as a key partner across the organization, coordinating sample requests, managing shipping logistics, maintaining inventory and organization, and ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and workplace standards.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead daily Sample Room operations, prioritizing and coordinating sample requests to support business objectives and customer needs.
• Prepare, package, and fulfill product samples for customers, brokers, sales teams, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate shipments through UPS, FedEx, USPS, and other carriers to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Generate and maintain product labels for sample products, repacks, and relabeled items.
• Create and assemble sample kits, product mockups, gift boxes, trade show materials, and promotional packages.
• Support new product launches and customer presentations through sample preparation and organization.
• Maintain inventory of products, packaging materials, shipping supplies, and Sample Room resources.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and timely replenishment of supplies to support ongoing business needs.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations to support customer and business initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of sample requests, shipments, and inventory usage.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready Sample Room environment.
• Train and provide guidance to backup personnel and temporary employees as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, organization, and service levels within Sample Room operations.
• Support special projects, trade shows, promotional events, and company initiatives as assigned.
• Work extended hours and/or weekends when necessary to meet critical deadlines and business demands.

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to support internal and external stakeholders.
• Positive attitude with a flexible, team-oriented approach.
• Ability to identify process improvements and drive operational efficiency.
• Commitment to workplace safety, food safety, and quality standards.

Experiences that will support your success

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of experience in sample fulfillment, inventory management, shipping/logistics, customer service, warehouse operations, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments preferred.
• Experience using shipping systems such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and other business applications required.
• Experience with SAP or related ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Knowledge of GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and quality systems preferred.

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 role is $22-$31 per hour.

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.