Category and Shopper Insights Lead

CATEGORY AND SHOPPER INSIGHTS LEAD (EDEN PRAIRIE, MN / AUSTIN, MN / CHICAGO, IL) HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time. ABOUT HORMEL FOODS Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit This position will report to the Assistant VP of Sales Strategy and will champion category and shopper insights, retail-relevant growth strategies, and actionable merchandising recommendations to accelerate category and brand growth with retail partners. The role is responsible for building and scaling a best-in-class category and shopper insights function, setting the team agenda, and delivering insight-led strategies that influence retailers, field teams, and internal stakeholders. Success is measured by actionable insights that strengthen customer partnerships and unlock incremental growth. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead Category and Shopper Strategies, and Retail Thought Leadership Own the enterprise-wide development and execution of category growth strategies and tactics. Turn insights into action by translating trends, shopper behavior, primary/secondary research, and syndicated data into persuasive and retail-relevant selling stories. Lead the development of category learning plans and execution of best-in-class shopper research, including research vendor management. Monitor industry, shopper, and category trends. Partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to support customer priorities and initiatives. Influence retailer merchants and senior leaders through clear, data-driven narratives that result in category and brand growth. Elevate retailer relationships, as an indispensable business partner. Influence Planograms, Assortment & Space Optimization Lead actionable, end-to-end planogram strategy and execution – aligned to clear goals and objectives. Deliver fact-based omni shelf, assortment, and space recommendations that address shopper needs and retailer strategies. Activate recommendations with retailers, powered by customized analysis, test-and-learns and post-reset evaluations. Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing category and shopper insights team. Define processes, tools, and best practices for insight generation and activation. Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Enterprise Analytics and Consumer Insights, to maximize investments and deliver results against key objectives. Advance the discipline of Category & Shopper Insights at Hormel by socializing insights with cross-functional partners, influencing senior leadership, and showcasing measurable business impact. Serve as a trusted advisor to key retail customers as an indispensable business partner. QUALIFICATIONS Required 5+ years of CPG experience in category management, shopper insights, or customer strategy. Demonstrated leadership experience with multiple direct reports and upskilling teams. Demonstrated success in building or transforming category and shopper insights capabilities. Retailer-facing experience influencing category strategies, line reviews, assortments, and modular decisions. Deep knowledge of omni-retail structures, execution, and “metrics that matter”. Strong analytical skills with large and complex data sets. Hands‑on experience with syndicated data (scan and panel) and shopper research. Working knowledge of assortment and space planning tools. Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, and storytelling with data. Clear, confident communicator with executive presence. Ability to influence cross‑functionally and operate effectively in matrix environments. Problem solving‑solving, decision‑making, and organizational skills. Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Preferred Advanced degree (MBA or related field). 7+ years of CPG experience in category management, shopper insights, or customer strategy. LOCATION Eden Prairie, MN / Austin, MN / Chicago, IL A comprehensive relocation package to the above areas may be offered, if required. At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for the Category and Shopper Insights Lead is between $117,175 - $164,050 per year , and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job‑related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location. BENEFITS Other components of Hormel Foods’ total compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses and profit sharing, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid time off, free two‑year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 10% of the time For immediate consideration, apply online at: At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr