Brand Manager I/II - Jennie-O® Brand - Retail - Corporate Office (Austin, MN / Willmar, MN)

Responsibilities

• Operating independently, the Brand Manager is a highly seasoned position that has demonstrated success in areas of brand strategy, brand management and innovation. A typical incumbent would be comfortable making recommendations to drive and redirect the business.
• - Business planning, LRP strategy ownership, P&L accountability: Works with the Marketing Director and Senior Brand Manager in the creation of the long-range plan and development and execution of the annual operating plan (AOP) targets for the assigned portfolio. Establishes business objectives, strategies, and tactics to attain AOP. Achieves volume, net sales & gross margin targets. Works with Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) for monitoring and updating P&L forecasts.
• - Innovation: Leads future growth by identifying new product and line extension opportunities by analyzing consumer trends, determining specific market needs and potential, and building a business case. Works collaboratively across a large team to ensure strategies are understood and plans are executed to achieve long range plans and strategies.
• - Brand Equity Management: Manages brand equity development and consumer engagement strategies and tactics to achieve consumer and business objectives. Works with agency partners to create annual consumer media, promotion and public relations plans.
• - Supply Chain Partnership: Supports operations, logistics, forecasting, and purchasing departments to management of finished goods and supply inventories. Leads and manages indirect cross-functional team members to accomplish projects that support brand initiatives and business needs.
• - Customer/Channel Development: Works closely with national category sales manager (NCSM) and direct sales force to deliver sales growth for the brand, including promotion timing, supply chain coordination, and protecting distribution. Supports Retail Sales customer engagement by participating in customer sales calls to accomplish sales initiatives, developing sales presentations or content, assisting in addressing customer category/brand opportunities and challenges. Develops trade strategy and national trade budget with NCSM counterpart. Monitors marketplace dynamics and implements corrective action when and where necessary.
• - Execution: Manages the day-to-day execution of the business including but not limited to, item setup, licensing, packaging projects, new item development, project management, Integrated Business Planning (IBP), S&OE, etc.
• Level of position will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-6 years of Retail experience, including cross-functional experience, such as retail sales and marketing
• Pattern of initiative and success
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment on a variety of complex projects
• Strong analytical and time management skills
• Highly developed interpersonal and organizational skills
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated creative thinking skills
• Demonstrated aptitude and effectiveness in budget and financial management

Preferred

• MBA

Benefits

• BENEFITS: Other components of Hormel Foods’ total compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, paid time off, free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.