Data Privacy and Governance Manager

About Hormel Foods — Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. 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.

About the role

This position reports to the Assistant Director, Ethics & Compliance. The Data Privacy and Governance Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the organization’s data privacy and governance framework. This role ensures compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, CPA), promotes ethical data use, and establishes robust governance practices to safeguard sensitive information. The manager acts as a key liaison between legal, IT, security, compliance, manufacturing facilities, and business units to ensure data is managed responsibly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain enterprise-wide data privacy policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with global, federal, and regional data protection laws and regulations.
• Conduct data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) and privacy risk assessments.
• Monitor regulatory developments and recommend updates to policies and practices.
• Partner with Legal and Compliance teams to manage privacy-related inquiries, audits, and investigations.
• Design and implement a data governance framework, including data classification, ownership, and lifecycle management.
• Establish data stewardship roles and accountability structures across the organization.
• Define and monitor data quality, integrity, and consistency standards.
• Oversee data cataloging, metadata management, and data lineage initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to data handling, storage, and sharing.
• Collaborate with Information Security teams to align data protection controls and incident response plans.
• Lead or support breach response efforts, including impact analysis and regulatory notifications as required.
• Develop and deliver privacy and data governance training programs for employees.
• Promote a culture of data responsibility and awareness across the organization.
• Evaluate and monitor third-party vendors for compliance with data privacy and governance requirements.
• Support contract reviews and data processing agreements to ensure proper data handling practices.
• Establish metrics and reporting mechanisms to track data privacy and governance effectiveness.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on risk posture, compliance status, and program maturity.
• Continuously improve policies, processes, and tools to adapt to evolving business and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and manage direct reports.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Law, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in data privacy, governance, compliance, or information security.
• Strong knowledge of data protection laws and frameworks (e.g., GDPR, CCPA/CPRA/CPA, and other privacy laws and regulations).
• Experience implementing data governance frameworks and privacy programs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
• Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD, or Master’s in Information Security or Data Management).
• Professional certifications such as:
  • CIPP (Certified Information Privacy Professional)
  • CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager)
  • CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional)
  • CISSP or CISM
• Experience with data governance and privacy tools (e.g., Collibra, OneTrust, Informatica, etc.).

Location

Austin, MN – a comprehensive relocation package will be provided if not already in the vicinity.

Travel Requirements

Travel may be necessary 10% of the time.

Pay

The base hiring pay range for this role is between $98,100 - $144,400 per year, depending upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Discretionary annual merit increases.
• Bonuses and profit sharing.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Stock purchase plan.
• Paid vacation.
• Free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees.