Account Manager, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)

At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place. Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products. In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-/ Work Location: ​Chicago​ Want to make an impact? The Account Manager, Foodservice (QSR), will make a meaningful impact on Ferrara’s growth by leading the development of strategic partnerships with quick service restaurant operators and unlocking new ways for Ferrara brands to win beyond the traditional retail shelf. This role is responsible for building a pipeline of innovation-driven opportunities that position Ferrara products as ingredients in beverages, desserts, and menu items, with a strong focus on securing limited-time offers that convert into long-term, everyday menu placements. Serving at the intersection of customer strategy, innovation, and execution, this individual will work closely with cross-functional partners across Brand, R&D, Commercialization, Supply Chain, and Finance, while collaborating directly with customer innovation, culinary, and procurement teams. The Account Manager will drive growth by creating scalable, operator-friendly solutions that meet customer needs, strengthen strategic partnerships, and deliver lasting menu integration. **NOTE: THIS ROLE IS REMOTE** Ways you will make a difference Develop and own strategic relationships with key QSR stakeholders across innovation, culinary, marketing, and procurement teams Build and manage a robust pipeline of LTO opportunities designed to convert into permanent menu placements Position Ferrara brands as ingredients within QSR platforms (beverages, desserts, bakery, and inclusions), not just as standalone products Partner cross-functionally to bring concepts from ideation → commercialization → national rollout Lead customer-facing innovation sessions, presenting forward-thinking, insight-led concepts that align with QSR menu trends and operational feasibility Translate consumer insights and market trends into compelling, revenue-driving menu solutions Develop and execute joint business plans that deliver against both Ferrara and customer growth objectives Identify and unlock scalable platforms (e.g., frozen beverages, bakery, LTO “collections”) that drive repeatable growth across multiple QSR partners Create and deliver executive-level presentations that clearly articulate the business case, size of prize, and path to scale Proactively identify risks and develop contingency plans to ensure successful execution and sustained growth Ensure alignment with internal processes, commercialization timelines, and financial targets Skills that will make you successful Proven ability to sell ideas and concepts, not just products—translating innovation into executable menu items Strong understanding of QSR business models, menu development cycles, and LTO strategies High level of analytical rigor with the ability to quantify opportunities (GSV, NSV, distribution, velocity) Exceptional influencing skills with the ability to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders internally and externally Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action and ownership of results Ability to navigate complex organizations and penetrate multiple levels of decision-makers Strong storytelling capabilities—building compelling, insight-driven narratives that resonate with executive audiences Creative problem-solving skills with a focus on scalable, operator-friendly solutions Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously Customer-first mindset with a focus on building long-term, value-driven partnerships Experiences that will support your success Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required Minimum of 5+ years of sales or business development experience, preferably within Foodservice or QSR channels Experience working with or selling into QSRs, restaurant chains, or foodservice operators strongly preferred Demonstrated success in developing and executing LTO programs or innovation-driven initiatives Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, and commercialization teams Strong financial acumen with the ability to build and present business cases Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint required) Willingness to travel as needed to support customer engagement and business growth 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 position is $88,358 to $123,700 annually. 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