Sr. Director, International Expansion

Ferrara•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

At 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. This 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. Ways you will make a difference Lead Global Business expansion from a commercial operation standpoint: Guide the continued development and integration of international operations, ensuring global consistency, control and driving efficiencies. Enhance 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. Develop 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. Champion 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. Lead 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.

Requirements

Strong strategic, financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to manage complex P&Ls and drive business performance.
Proven global mindset and experience navigating cultural and market differences.
Excellent cross-functional leadership, influencing senior stakeholders across regions and functions, and demonstrated experience in commercial areas (i.e. R&D, marketing, sales, distribution).
Advanced program and project management capability, with experience leading multi-country or cross-business initiatives.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Exceptional communication and change leadership, with a focus on clarity, alignment, and engagement.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Economics, or related field required
10-15+ years of progressive leadership experience in international business, strategy, consulting, or operations within CPG / FMCG industry.
Demonstrated success leading business integrations, portfolio optimizations, or operating model transformations.
Experience managing international P&Ls and driving margin improvement initiatives.
Track record of developing and launching new go-to-market or distribution strategies across multiple regions.