Manager - Raw Business Strategy

Applegate / Hormel Foods Corporation does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position.

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, recognized for corporate responsibility, community service, and as a top employer.

About the role

This strategic role acts as the Applegate owner of the upstream raw business model, including sourcing structure, direct-source versus whole-carcass strategy, utilization logic, strategic partner design, and Applegate-level raw value-chain economics across beef, pork, turkey, and chicken.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the Applegate structural design of upstream raw trading and service models between suppliers, processors, and approved value-chain partners; day-to-day commercial selling remains outside this role.
• Sets Applegate strategy for the mix of direct sourcing and whole-carcass sourcing, including carcass utilization and related P&L. Negotiates structural service agreements and value-chain agreements between multiple upstream parties.
• Works with approved value-chain participants to define Applegate long-range supply structures, seasonal strategies, and partner requirements needed to support future growth. Physical planning and storage execution remain outside this role.
• Sets Applegate strategic raw inventory targets, structural supply assumptions, and value-chain economic guardrails in partnership with Finance and Raw Leadership; physical planning execution remains outside this role.
• Ensures upstream raw value-chain partners are strategically positioned to support approved growth, innovation, category expansion, changes, and raw-material requirements. This role is the Applegate owner of how the upstream raw network is structured and governed.
• Leads Applegate-level value-chain improvement and conflict resolution involving upstream raw participants where sourcing structure, strategic partner expectations, or value-chain design are affected.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or other relevant degree.
• 5+ years’ experience in perishable food processing, meat/poultry and/or natural food experience preferred.
• Familiarity working in complex or virtual supply networks with multiple participants.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills (both written and spoken), with a proven track record of developing strong, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Strategic negotiating experience.
• Proven analytical ability and strong quantitative analysis skills utilizing spreadsheets.
• Strong initiative, attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams to manage priorities while attaining deadlines in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong experience in Microsoft Suite of Applications.
• ERP, Database/Reporting, WMS, Quality Management experience valued.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Working Conditions

• Will need to manage time whether in the Corporate Office, a plant site, farm site, or a mobile office.
• Constant use of the computer and talking on the phone; some standing and walking.
• Travel up to 35% of the time.

Location

Corporate Office, Bedminster, NJ. A comprehensive relocation package to the Bedminster, NJ area will be offered, if required.

Pay

The base hiring pay range for the Manager Raw Business Strategy role is between $98,100 - $137,325 per year, depending on 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 time off.
• Free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees.