Hormel Foods - Retail CPG Category Development Analyst Intern - Summer 2026 (Austin, MN or Grand Rapids, MI)

Description

Category Development Analyst Internship

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this 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: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin’s®, 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 on Fast Company’s list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, received a perfect score of 100 on the 2023–24 Corporate Equality Index and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Job Purpose:
This internship position will work with the Category Development team on customer category assignments to develop category plans and strategies, which are consistent with marketing objectives, and customer needs. During the course of the internship, this individual will interact with individuals in a variety of job functions, including marketing, sales, retail operations, consumer insights, and syndicated data suppliers. These contacts may range from Hormel field and Hormel Corporate-based teams to our retail customers. The intern will be exposed to a complex set of competitive issues and strategies around geographic markets, brands, categories, customers, management, negotiations, and marketing.

Responsibilities:

As part of their assignment, the individual in this internship will assist the Category Development team in the following:

• Pulling and analyzing syndicated and customer POS data. Developing recommendations based on analysis of data from various sources, including internal Hormel data, retailer-specific POS/internal data, syndicated information (i.e. IRi, TDLinx, etc.) and Shopper Insights.
• This individual will provide assistance to the Category Development team to integrate category assessments for assigned categories/brands with the goal of improved category business results, including sales, distribution, profitability and brand share growth for the customer and Hormel Foods Corporation.
• Recommendation development may include new item distribution, distribution opportunities, shelf space management, merchandising strategies for various markets, and customer performance tracking.
• This individual may be asked to assist in the presentation of these recommendations to one or more Hormel retail customers.

Requirements:

• Must graduate in August 2026, December 2026, May 2027, and major in Marketing, Professional Selling, Business Administration or relevant degree program, with a preferred 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Demonstrated leadership, persuasiveness, initiative, and communication skills are necessary for success in this position
• Possess knowledge of computers, syndicated data, space management tools, spreadsheets, databases, and category management tools
• Possess a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit
• 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 any time in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa
• Must be comfortable with the preparation and consumption of meat products; more specifically, pork, beef, and chicken
• This position will require access to and/or the utilization of a personal motor vehicle to get to and from the workplace

Location and Hours:

• One of our select training sales offices in various locations throughout the U.S. or the Corporate Office based in Austin, MN
• Location is based on business needs at the time an offer is made
• Position is full time, 40 hours per week beginning late May and ending mid-August

Compensation:

The starting rate for this role is $24.00. This position has a strong benefits package including 401(k)and match, Wellness Program, paid time off, paid housing allowance, and more.

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.