IT Product Manager, PLM, PPM (Planning)

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?

Technology powers Ferrara’s transformation of iconic brands into a world-class global business. Following a successful S/4HANA go-live, our IT organization is leading the next phase of digital evolution—scaling platforms, advancing data and analytics, and partnering closely with the business to deliver measurable impact. This is a chance to join a highly innovative IT team with strong executive sponsorship and influence across the enterprise.

The Sr. IT Product Manager, PLM & PPM plays a strategic role in designing and governing commercialization processes leveraging SAP PLM, SAP PPM, Integration with SAP MDG and ancillary process and technology solutions across a large-scale, complex enterprise environment. This role ensures Ferrara’s Commercialization Platform are secure, scalable, standardized, and aligned with strategic business and technology roadmaps.

The Sr. IT Product Manager, PLM, PPM, will work directly with Business leaders, IT Leaders and external Service Providers leading enterprise-wide SAP, non-SAP technology platforms facilitating the delivery of scalable, easy-to-sustain standardized solutions.  A keen understanding of the goals and objectives of the Commercial function is required. 

Ways you will make a difference

Product Management Strategy & Delivery

• Design and maintain enterprise-level Commercialization architecture (spread across PLM, PPM, Integration with Supply Chain, Recipe, Specs Management, RDP(Responsible Design and Production).
• Create scalable architectures for mission-critical SAP commercialization applications, processes, data platforms, and integration layers that span across multiple platforms and end-to-end business process
• A good understanding of commercialization business process, including but not limited to Recipe, Specs, Label Set, New Product Design, Integration with Supply Chain
• Oversee the design of highly available, geo-distributed architectures optimized for performance and resilience.
• Enable best-in-class platform and products in Commercialization Domain
• Develop technology roadmap aligned with business recommendations, solution concepts and business cases for new investments.
• Develop governance models, security guardrails, and architectural policies to ensure consistent delivery of projects. 

Product Management- Delivery 

• Provide technical and leadership guidance to the manufacturing team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, standardize, and optimize commercialization processes.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring alignment with production priorities and business objectives.
• Drive initiatives to improve quality, reduce costs, and implement advanced manufacturing technologies such as automation and mechanization.
• Oversee timely release of engineering documentation and technical processes.
• Partner with operations leadership to meet design, build, and test milestones for complex programs.
• Ensure robust engineering fundamentals and processes are applied consistently to maintain product integrity and process capability.
• Develop team goals, foster professional growth, and manage roles and accountability across the department.
• Allocate resources to support new and advanced commercialization and new item launch processes.
• Lead root cause analyses for new and sustaining products.
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing, and capital equipment planning.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety across all functional areas.

Security, Compliance & Risk Management

• Embed enterprise-grade security and compliance controls into all cloud applications.
• Ensure solutions adhere to corporate policies, regulatory standards, and industry frameworks
• Lead risk assessments for new cloud solutions and vendors to ensure operational continuity through robust disaster recovery and resilience patterns

Technology Advisory Leadership

• Lead architectural efforts for large-scale transformation programs partnering with Enterprise Architect
• Work across multiple business lines, IT domains, and project teams to guide architecture decisions and resolve technical challenges
• Experience in enterprise integration platform, integration with ancillary systems for PLM, PPM, Integration with Salsify, MDG, Supply Chain
• Managing budget for projects in Commercialization Area
• Review solution designs and implementation approaches to ensure alignment with enterprise architecture principle

Automation, Standardization & Optimization

• Define and support the development of enterprise platforms, standardization across global manufacturing sites, automate processes and drive Continuous Improvement/Continuous Deployment Model across all the sub-streams of Commercialization function
• Process Improvement: Continuous enhancement of production operations to improve productivity and efficiency.

Skills that will make you successful

• Strategic thinker who can simplify complexity and drive clarity in large organizations.
• Strong communicator capable of influencing decision-making across business units and technical teams.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to lead discussions with architects, engineers, and executives.
• Proactive, structured, and detail-oriented with a focus on delivering enterprise value.
• Proficient in Agile Delivery and Vendor Collaboration ensuring quality and ability to meet timelines of project lifecycles.
• Good understanding of AI, Cloud Platforms
• Managing TCO, reduction of technical debt and process inefficiencies 

Experiences that will support your success

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience. Master’s degree preferred
• 7-10 + years of IT experience, with at least 3–5 years in a Lead role in Commercialization Domain

Preferred Certifications

• Enterprise Certifications such as:
  • SAP Certification (S/4 HANA, SAP Activate), PLM, PPM, RDP, RGM, Agile/Scrum Product Owner,
  • Project Management Certification(Agile/Scrum Product Master), PMP( Optional)

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 $112,278 - $157,189 annually.