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.
Manager - Sales Operations
- Prepare and submit the Weekly Sales Report using distributor data.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of key sales metrics, trends, and performance indicators.
- Support creation of executive-level presentations using PowerPoint.
- Manage and track sales incentive programs for the distributor’s sales team and the distributor company.
- Ensure incentive calculations are accurate and aligned with internal policies.
- Monitor obsolete product inventory and align monthly with distributor and internal teams.
- Track and report on sales forecast accuracy and related supply chain KPIs.
- Maintain master data including customer classification, channel mapping, and SKU updates.
- Maintain the PPF file to monitor trade spend performance.
- Track planned vs. actual spend for promotions and programs
- Coordinate with the distributor to ensure accurate actualization of trade investments.
- Present insights during monthly business reviews.
- Monitor My Perfect Store (MPS) execution using image recognition tools.
- Grade and report manual execution photos where MPS is not permitted.
- Identify sales trends and opportunities based on comprehensive reporting tools such as the Sales Performance Dashboard and Nielsen insights.
- Support the My Perfect Store (MyPS) program by assisting in the creation of charts, tracking action points, and ensuring timely follow-up and accountability for store-level improvements.
- Participate in Joint Business Planning (JBP) and Business Review preparations with retailers by contributing to strategy development and supporting the creation of presentations and data analysis.
- Support the planning and execution of trade promotions and channel initiatives.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills—essential for managing complex data and multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and coordination abilities across cross-functional and cross-country teams.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented approach with the ability to identify and implement process improvements.
- Agile, critical thinker willing to be accountable for delivering results at pace
- Bachelor's degree required but Master’s degree preferred in Business Administration, Finance, Data Analytics, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree with exceptional experience may be considered).
- 2+ years of experience in sales operations & administration, finance coordination, or similar roles.
- Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions such as INDEX-MATCH, dynamic arrays, macros, and automation tools.
- Experience with Excel-to-PowerPoint automation and a general tech-savvy mindset to streamline reporting and improve processes.
- Experience working with distributors or in FMCG is a plus.
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.
