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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.
Sr. Manager, R&D - US Brands
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 Sr. R&D Product Development Manager will have the opportunity to lead delivery of the growth strategy for Ferrara through developing and executing new product innovation. This role is a strategic partner that plays a leading role in creation of the business strategy and leading a team of food scientists to deliver renovation and innovation.
Ferrara is on a tremendous growth trajectory and this is a critical time of transformation. This role offers the opportunity to drive development of innovation projects for a portfolio of powerhouse brands. This includes leading innovation strategy to develop the innovation pipeline, driving a culture of collaboration in the cross-functional innovation team and ensuring executional excellence in delivery of high profile projects
Ways you will make a difference
* The Sr. R&D Product Development Manager leads a team of Food Scientists, and works closely with Marketing, Business, R&D team members, Manufacturing, Packaging Engineering, Quality teams to develop and deliver new products.
* Prioritize resources to meet project demands across all streams of work allocation and budget for staff.
* Identifies and explores new areas of technical opportunities
* Develop, coach, and lead direct reports to enable delivery of projects
* Continuous improvement/optimization of current products according to business needs, supply situation and/or implementation of initiatives.
* Continuous development of R&D processes and cross functional adherence
* Collaborates with Innovation Pipeline Manager, Process Engineering, and Consumer Insights to develop robust innovation pipeline
* Manage projects related to technological rationalizations
* Guides technical document control to drive flawless execution of scale up to manufacturing
* Act as local coaching and training resource for product/process
Skills that will make you successful
* Ability to translate concepts into products and processes that satisfy consumer and market needs.
* Demonstrated ability to combine technical knowledge with management skills.
* Experience leading diverse technical teams and/or direct reports.
* Working knowledge of the food industry with a broad understanding across manufacturing & technical
* Cross functional/cross market experience highly preferred
* Knowledge of introducing new products utilizing stage gate process and/or agile processes
* Strong knowledge of ingredient and product design and food manufacturing processes. Confectionery experience preferred.
* Strong communication skills and business acumen
Experiences that will support your success
* Minimum of 10 years of Consumer Packaged Goods food technology experience, including 4 years of people management.
* BS degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field. MS degree preferred
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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 athttps://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $112,500 - $157,000 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.
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