Work Location: ChicagoDue 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 Sales Operations Sr. Manager is a key member of the Sales Operations team, responsible to drive forecast accuracy, performance reporting, and planning support for an assigned customer channel. This role ensures Sales Leadership has timely, fact-based visibility into channel performance and forecast risk.
The role partners closely with channel Sales leaders, Trade Marketing, Supply Chain and Finance to keep forecasts, plans, and reporting aligned with the VP of Sales Operations' broader IBP and commercial excellence agenda.
Ways you will make a difference Channel Forecasting & IBP Support - Drive the weekly sales forecast for the assigned customer channel as part of the broader IBP process.
- Ensure forecast accuracy, accountability, and alignment with Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain for the assigned channel.
- Collaborate with Sales Pillars to feed channel-level forecast inputs and risk/opportunity commentary into the VP Sales Operations' consolidated forecast.
- If applicable, support translation of indirect volume (e.g., McLane, Coremark, and other distributors) into direct customer/channel planning.
Channel Performance Reporting & Diagnostics - Perform channel-level sales performance tracking, distinguishing base vs. incremental drivers.
- Develop and deliver insights explaining sales performance at the customer, brand, and initiative level within the assigned channel.
- Translate channel data into clear, concise recommendations for Sales and Sales Operations leadership.
Planning Forum Support - Prepare channel-level data and commentary for key planning forums, including:
- Sales Intelligence & Sales Intelligence feeder meetings
- Weekly sales volume update meetings
- Sales DMR
- PMR
- Supply Review and IR meetings, as relevant to the assigned channel
Sales Planning & PS3 / Annual Operating Plan Support - Support PS3 and Annual Sales Planning for the assigned channel with robust, fact-based analytics.
- Collaborate with Trade Marketing on channel plans grounded in market trends, customer strategy, and brand assumptions.
- Track post-launch performance against plan to improve future planning accuracy.
Data Integrity & Systems - Maintain accurate, well-governed channel data to support reporting, forecasting, and decision-making.
- Partner with the Sales Systems & Data team to ensure the channel's data feeds and reports remain accurate as systems (e.g., S4/HANA) evolve.
- Support adoption of standardized reporting cadences, templates, and KPIs across the channel.
Skills that will make you successful - Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
- Outstanding cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to work across Sales, Trade Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain.
- Strong Excel and data analysis skills
Experiences that will support your success - Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years of experience in sales operations, forecasting, category/channel analytics, or a related CPG discipline.
- Experience with S&OP tools, BI platforms, or ERP systems (e.g., SAP/S4-HANA) a plus.
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 position is $123,668 to $173,135 annually.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
