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?
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Sr. Director of Brand Finance to join our finance team and play a pivotal role in driving profitable growth across Ferrara's portfolio of brands. This role will serve as a key business partner to Brand Marketing, Innovation, and Commercial Leadership teams, providing critical financial insights to support strategic decision-making, optimize investments, and maximize brand profitability. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in consumer packaged goods, brand financial management, innovation evaluation, and strategic planning.
Ways you will make a difference
- Serve as the strategic finance leader for Ferrara's Domestic Brands portfolio, collaborate closely with Brand Marketing, Innovation, Sales, and Commercial Planning teams to drive profitable growth and value creation.
- Act as primary finance partner to brand leadership, supporting the development and execution of growth strategies across Ferrara's portfolio.
- Lead financial planning, forecasting, and performance management processes for assigned brands, including Annual Operating Plans, monthly forecasts, and long-range strategic plans.
- Partner with Marketing leadership to evaluate and optimize advertising, consumer promotion, and brand investment spending, balancing growth objectives with return on investment and profitability targets.
- Provide financial leadership and governance for portfolio and commercialization decisions, ensuring investments are aligned with enterprise growth and margin objectives.
- Provide financial leadership across functions in evaluating innovation launches, pricing strategies, and any other margin enhancement opportunities.
- Monitor and analyze brand performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities related to volume, mix, pricing, margins, and market dynamics. Oversee financial assessments of innovation pipelines, including business case development, post-launch reviews, and investment prioritization.
- Develop and enhance executive reporting and KPIs to provide actionable insights to senior leadership.
- Manage month-end close, forecasting, and reporting processes in partnership with the broader Finance organization.
- Collaborate with Finance, IT, and Data & Analytics teams to identify and implement systems and reporting enhancements that improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Champion continuous improvement across financial processes, planning methodologies, and performance management practices to strength organizational capabilities.
- Lead, coach and develop a team of finance directors, managers and analysts, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, development, and continuous improvement.
Skills that will make you successful
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Strong strategic thinking capabilities and analytical skills.
- Proven ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business recommendations.
- Track record of driving change, process improvements, and organizational effectiveness.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Intellectually curious with a continuous improvement mindset and passion for driving business performance.
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions, and influence decision-making through data-driven insights.
- Strength of character and executive presence; comfortable challenging the status quo and driving strategic conversations.
Experiences that will support your success
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
- 12-15 years of progressive finance experience, including significant experience in brand finance, commercial finance, strategic planning, or consumer packaged goods finance.
- Consumer products industry experience strongly preferred.
- Proven experience partnering with Marketing, Innovation, and Commercial teams to drive business performance and strategic growth.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data and deliver actionable insights.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional leadership teams.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience with ERP and financial planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle EPM Planning and Budgeting platform (EPBCS), Hyperion) 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 $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