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.\nToday, 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.\nIn 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.\nDue 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.\nWant to make an impact?\nAt Ferrara, we’re on a journey of global growth - bringing our iconic brands to new markets, expanding our international reach, and strengthening our operating model worldwide. Based at Ferrara's Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, the Sr. Director, International Expansion reports to the Chief INternational Officer and will lead critical initiatives that define how Ferrara grows and operates across borders, integrating new businesses, optimizing portfolios, and driving operational excellence.\nThis role offers a unique opportunity to shape Ferrara’s international footprint by combining strategic insight, commercial rigor, and hands‑on leadership to deliver profitable, sustainable growth, with less than 25% travel required to support key international markets.\nWays you will make a differenceLead Global Business expansion from a commercial operation standpoint: Guide the continued development and integration of international operations, ensuring global consistency, control and driving efficiencies.\nEnhance planning and performance monitoring: In collaboration with Finance and commercial teams, ensure that the commercial operation is delivering on agreed KPIs and drive actionable insights to improve performance. Coordinate the ST and LT planning process for international.\nDevelop and Execute Market Expansion initiatives: Together with the other International Leadership Team members, design, coordinate and execute new commercial initiatives (e.g.: business cases for new market entry) establishing PMO governance, leading cross-functional workstreams, and securing executive alignment and approvals.\nChampion Operational Excellence: Identify opportunities for standardization and process improvement across the international function. Drive international governance through regular steering committees, board reviews, and functional updates.\nLead Change Management for Transformation Initiatives: Act as a global change leader for enterprise transformation efforts (e.g., SAP S/4HANA; new sales & distribution models), ensuring international requirements are represented, and teams are engaged and prepared for change.Skills that will make you successfulStrong strategic, financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to manage complex P&Ls; and drive business performance.\nProven global mindset and experience navigating cultural and market differences.\nExcellent cross-functional leadership, influencing senior stakeholders across regions and functions, and demonstrated experience in commercial areas (i.e. R&D;, marketing, sales, distribution).\nAdvanced program and project management capability, with experience leading multi-country or cross-business initiatives.\nStrong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.\nExceptional communication and change leadership, with a focus on clarity, alignment, and engagement.Experiences that will support your successBachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Economics, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.\n10-15+ years of progressive leadership experience in international business, strategy, consulting, or operations within CPG / FMCG industry.\nDemonstrated success leading business integrations, portfolio optimizations, or operating model transformations.\nExperience managing international P&Ls; and driving margin improvement initiatives.\nTrack record of developing and launching new go-to-market or distribution strategi