Team Leader, Category & Shopper Thought Leadership (CASTL)

TEAM LEADER, CATEGORY SHOPPER & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP (CASTL) - ENTERPRISE BUSINESS ANALYTICS (CHICAGO, IL PREFERRED / EDEN PRAIRIE, MN / AUSTIN, MN)

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 Director of Field Analytics and will lead Hormel’s enterprise approach to category insights, shopper understanding, and business growth strategy across all channels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for setting the enterprise-wide vision for category and shopper insights, translating corporate and retail-vertical strategies into actionable category, customer, and retail growth plans. The Team Leader will partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and Enterprise Analytics to ensure insights drive measurable business outcomes. For example, the Team Leader may develop a category learning agenda, oversee research partners, synthesize findings, and deliver strategic narratives that influence senior leadership and retailer decision‑making. Leads the development and execution of shelving, assortment, and space strategies across retail partners. This includes end-to-end planogram strategy, fact‑based assortment recommendations, and optimization of shelf presentation to enhance discoverability and conversion. The Team Leader will independently present recommendations or partner with Sales during retailer line reviews and Joint Business Planning. Provides periodic and ad-hoc insight reporting that identifies category, shopper, and marketplace dynamics with clear implications and recommended actions. Monthly delivery of actionable tracking may include but is not limited to: Category and shopper behavior trends Assortment and space performance Digital shelf and search behavior Post-reset and test-and-learn evaluations Internal enterprise category reviews Oversees competitive and marketplace intelligence, including share, pricing, and shelving strategy assessments. For example, the Team Leader may analyze omni‑channel performance gaps, conduct market visits, and integrate POS, panel, and digital shelf data to identify growth opportunities and retailer-specific strategies. Works with and supports cross-functional partners to elevate insights capability across the organization. Demonstrates the ability to synthesize learnings from multiple data sources—syndicated, shopper, digital, and custom research—into clear, unbiased, and visually compelling recommendations. Operates with a customer-centric mindset and is responsible for strengthening retailer relationships through thought leadership, insight-driven storytelling, and collaborative strategy development. Acts with autonomy to leverage internal and external resources to achieve enterprise goals. Challenges the status quo, embraces new methodologies, champions innovation in insights generation, and implements process improvements. Demonstrates strong judgment in selecting the right tools, partners, and approaches to advance enterprise learning. Provides leadership to a team of insights and planogram professionals, including recruiting, coaching, mentoring, and capability development. For example, the Team Leader will guide team members in advanced analytics, syndicated data interpretation, shopper research, space planning tools, and best-in-class category management practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of CPG experience in category management, shopper insights, or customer strategy. Demonstrated leadership experience with direct reports and team development. Proven ability to build or evolve insights capabilities. Strong analytical skills with large and complex data sets. Proficiency with syndicated data sources (e.g., Nielsen, Circana) and shopper research methodologies. Working knowledge of assortment and space planning tools. Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills. Well-developed written and verbal communication skills with strong 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). Experience influencing retailer strategies, line reviews, and shelving execution. Deep understanding of omni-channel retail dynamics, digital shelf metrics, and RMN insights. Experience managing budgets and external research partners.

LOCATION

Corporate Office Chicago, IL preferred / Eden Prairie, MN / Austin, MN 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 Team Leader, Category & Shopper Thought Leadership (CASTL) role 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 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 Hormel Foods