Global confectionery manufacturer scaling SAP modernization and supply-chain optimization
Ferrero is a privately held confectionery giant operating 10,001+ employees across 25+ countries, built on legacy SAP infrastructure (R/3, ECC, SuccessFactors) now migrating toward S/4HANA and cloud platforms. The hiring mix—sales and marketing leading (279 roles), manufacturing and ops next (173)—reflects a supply-chain and demand-planning focus, visible in active projects around forecasting accuracy, inventory management, and production performance gaps. Core pain points center on line performance, forecast accuracy, and downtime reduction, suggesting the company is wrestling with the operational friction typical of legacy manufacturing systems at global scale.
Notable leadership hires: Channel Head, Sanitation Lead, Team Lead Assistant, Sector Head
Ferrero is a family-owned confectionery group founded in 1946, now in its third generation. The company manufactures and distributes iconic global brands—Nutella, Tic Tac, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Surprise, and others acquired since 2015 (Fannie May, Nestlé confectionery division, Eat Natural)—across more than 170 countries. With 38,767 employees worldwide and manufacturing operations spanning multiple continents, Ferrero operates a complex supply chain rooted in PLC-based production systems, SAP enterprise resource planning, and demand-planning tools. Current operational priorities include continuous improvement in forecasting and inventory management, production process optimization, safety compliance, and environmental regulatory adherence.
Ferrero uses SAP R/3 and SAP ECC as core systems, with active migration underway to SAP S/4HANA and SAP Cloud Platform. The company also deploys SAP SuccessFactors (HR), SAP FI (finance), and SAP Plant Maintenance (operations).
Ferrero uses PLC (programmable logic controllers), FANUC robotics, Allen-Bradley controls, HMI (human-machine interface), MES (manufacturing execution systems), and SCADA for production automation and monitoring across its facilities.
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