Senior Brand Manager - Applegate (Bedminster, NJ)

Bedminster, NJFull-time$123k–$172kPosted Aug 6, 2026

SENIOR BRAND MANAGER – CORPORATE OFFICE (BEDMINSTER, NJ)

APPLEGATE / 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 www.hormelfoods.com.

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Senior Director of Brand Management, the Senior Brand Manager will play a critical role in shaping and advancing Applegate’s mission of “Changing the Meat We Eat”, by developing winning strategies that shape all elements of the marketing mix. This position requires a general manager mindset and the ability to oversee a complex portfolio of Applegate categories. This role will serve as the strategic lead for the product portfolio, delivering short and long-term financial results via prudent business management, product renovation and innovation, and exceptional marketing programs. This role will also be responsible for leading a high-performing team of direct reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Responsible for delivering the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), planning to achieve the long-term plan (LRP), and managing the team to execute these plans to deliver sales and profit objectives.
Own the portfolio P&L and actively manage critical levers, including margin improvement initiatives, pricing / trade strategies, and marketing budgets.
Responsible for strategic leadership of portfolio-wide marketing efforts and direction and development of the annual marketing plans.
Effectively deploy team to analyze the business, category trends, and competitive landscape to deliver insights, recommendations, and actions to achieve objectives for the portfolio.
Provide oversight and direction into critical business processes for all aspects of the portfolio, including Integrated Business Planning (IBP).
Support team to identify consumer needs and leverage insights to build short and long-term innovation plans, including white space opportunities, product extensions, category expansion, and packaging improvements.
Champion Governance and Portfolio Review processes to ensure proper resource allocation and strategic fit for all initiatives.
Develop marketing campaign strategies that deliver on marketing objectives and maximize ROI.
Drive consumer research and analytics to develop a robust understanding of the Applegate consumer and be the voice of this consumer throughout the broader organization.
Inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team of direct reports that exemplify Applegate's Cultural Beliefs and entrepreneurial spirit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

MBA strongly preferred.
10+ years of experience in Brand Management preferably within food/CPG.
Proven ability to understand and leverage analytics, consumer insights, and business acumen to create comprehensive business plans.
Strong understanding of data (syndicated, shipment, primary and secondary research) and the ability to interpret results for decision-making.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written skills. Strong organizational savvy, negotiating skills, and conflict resolution skills.
Demonstrated experience prioritizing and managing multiple complex projects / tasks for self and team, sometimes under tight timelines.
Demonstrated experience managing and developing direct reports and deploying team resources appropriately to deliver business objectives.
Demonstrated success developing and executing short and long-term innovation plans for the portfolio and driving self, team, and broader organization.
Proven ability to understand and control financial scenarios (e.g., product P&Ls, ROI, trade, slotting) to achieve short and long-term business objectives.
Highly proficient in MS Office / Outlook.
Exhibits a passion for Applegate's mission and the Natural / Organic meat category.
Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require sponsorship for a work visa.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Entrepreneurial culture.
Open office working environment.
2-4 direct reports.

SUPERVISORY SCOPE:

LOCATION: Corporate Office, Bedminster NJ

A comprehensive relocation package to the Bedminster, NJ area will 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 Senior Brand Manager role is between $122,800 - $171,925 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, paid time off, free two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Up to 25% of the time

For immediate consideration, apply online at: www.hormelfoods.com/careers

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: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/

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.