Sr. Director, Platform Development

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. Travel requirements are 15-20%.

Want to make an impact?

At Ferrara, we are accelerating our global expansion and building the next chapter of our iconic portfolio. As Sr. Director, Platform Development, you will play a critical role in shaping Ferrara's long-term growth by defining and activating global strategic platforms that span North America, South America, and Europe. Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, this role will influence enterprise-wide strategy and help define the roadmap for the next 3 to 5 years and will have significant exposure to top leadership, including the Group CEO, the local market Business Units, and Country/Region Marketing Heads.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead end-to-end global market segmentation and category understanding across regions, partnering closely with local Marketing teams and overseeing the support of Ferrara's Consumer Insights function.
• Design and build global strategic platforms rooted in consumer and market insights, defining clear product and brand portfolio architectures across geographies.
• Partner with regional and local Marketing teams, Business Units, R&D, Manufacturing, and the Executive Chairman Strategy team to align global platforms with local market realities.
• Create and roll out mid- and long-term development plans for each strategic platform, including innovation pipelines, brand roles, and growth roadmaps.
• Bring a new global strategic mindset to Ferrara by balancing global scale with local relevance and leading change across a complex, multinational environment.
• Coach, manage, and develop a team member, building strong strategic capabilities across data gathering, analysis, frameworks, and strategic planning.

Skills that will make you successful

• Ability to navigate and simplify complexity across multiple regions, categories, and stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to design new approaches to highly complex, ambiguous challenges.
• Proven change management capabilities, influencing teams to move from local-first thinking to a global platform mindset.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with comfort engaging senior executives and top management.
• Analytical rigor combined with creativity-able to translate deep insights into actionable strategies and roadmaps.
• Leadership and coaching skills, with a passion for developing.

Experiences that will support your success

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Engineering, Economics, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10-15 years of experience in global marketing and strategy roles in a multinational company (CPG and consulting firms preferred).

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and 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-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $162,975 to $228,165 annually.

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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.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago