Travel & Expense Manager

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.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 Travel & Expense Manager responsible for a best-in-class corporate travel program that balances employee experience and risk management at scale. This position provides strategic and operational leadership across global travel policies, supplier partnerships, and travel technologies, while serving as a trusted partner to P&O, Finance, & Procurement. Through strong leadership and cross‑functional collaboration, this role looks to create seamless travel experience that supports business objectives and delivers value to the organization.Ways you will make a differenceCreate, update, and enforce corporate travel policies (airfare classes, hotel standards, approval processes, expense limits, etc.).Align travel policies with HR, Finance, and Risk/Legal requirements.Ensure travel management platform (Concur) reflects travel policy in rules and operational workflows within the system.Negotiate contracts with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and travel management companies (TMCs).Maintain relationships with travel vendors to secure preferred rates and perks.Evaluate supplier performance and manage service-level agreements.Identify savings opportunities (consolidated booking, negotiated fares, compliance enforcement).Work with Finance/Procurement on budgeting and reporting.Ensure employee safety during travel (tracking travelers, providing emergency support).Partner with security/risk teams for crisis response (political unrest, natural disasters, health emergencies).Manage compliance with local and international regulations (e.g., visa rules, tax implications).Monitor key performance indicators (e.g., cost per trip, policy compliance, traveler satisfaction).Prepare regular reports to senior leadership team membersUse data to recommend improvements in cost efficiency and employee experienceSkills that will make you successfulProblem Solving – Ability to proactively identify and assess problems and implement appropriate solutions that demonstrate understanding of team strategies and objectivesVerbal/Written Communication – Ability to adapt to and utilize multiple communication styles to effectively communicate in a concise detailed mannerInterpersonal Skills – Ability to calmly listen, assess and clarify problems and respond with solutionsTeam/Independence – Ability to work both independently and collaborativelyOrganizational – Ability to plan and prioritize work effectivelyExperiences that will support your successBachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field4-6 years of experience related to travel policies, travel management, and procurement processesProven experience working with executive managementHaving global exposure & collaborating with partners/vendors across different countriesWorking at a top tier travel firm/agency is a plusExperience with AMEX is a plusWhat We OfferAt 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 salary range for this role is $ $99,600-139,440 annually.EQUAL OPPORTUNITYWe 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr