COMMUNICATIONS & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ASSOCIATE MANAGER - APPLEGATE - HOME OFFICE (BEDMINSTER, NJ)

To save time applying, Applegate Farms does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT APPLEGATE FARMS

Founded in 1987, Applegate Farms, LLC produces high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Our products are made without GMO ingredients, and we source from farms where animals are treated with care and respect and are allowed to grow at their natural rate, all part of our mission – Changing The Meat We Eat®.

Natural can mean many things, but to Applegate natural means our food is:

• From animals Applegate humanely raised without antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants

• From animals fed a vegetarian or pasture-centered diet (our beef is 100 percent grass-fed)

• Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates

• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods in July 2015.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Under the general direction of the Communications and Strategic Partnerships Manager, this role supports Applegate’s marketing strategies to elevate awareness and relevancy of the Applegate brand by assisting in the planning and execution of holistic communications campaigns, with particular focus on activations with media and consumer branded partnerships.

• Serve as day-to-day point of contact with PR/Comms agency. Review materials created by agency to ensure information is accurate and language is on-brand. Work with agency to keep record of media metrics and amplify results to key stakeholders.

• In partnership with Creative, Experience, Social Media and Brand Management, act as project manager for the activation of strategic consumer marketing partnerships, such as sports leagues and health tribes. Oversee communications & messaging development, media outreach, experiential marketing/event planning, sampling, etc. in partnership with PR/Comms agency.

• Lead execution of key communications and thought leadership initiatives as part of the “always on” marketing plans, such as trade & consumer shows, product introductions, seasonal campaigns, mission partner features, etc.

• Develop ongoing messaging and communications assets (press releases, talking points, website copy, sales materials) that elevate the brand.

• Manage product shipments to media and influencers.

• Evaluate ongoing inbound media & partnership opportunities and conduct outreach/research as necessary.

• Assist in managing dialogue with other departments, including Mission, Sales, Digital and Brand management to assess communications needs.

• Keep communications on Applegate’s standards, processes and positions updated and consistent on all communication channels. Cross train other departments and new hires as appropriate. Support development and record keeping of responsive issues / crisis messaging.

• Assist in managing financial and legal review processes for communications and strategic partnerships (supplier set up, purchase requisitions, partnership agreements, legal review submissions, etc.).

• Keep abreast of current news and coverage around company, brand, competitors, relevant issues and trends.

• Keep abreast of industry and competitor best practices.

• Support internal communications initiatives, employee experiences, and special company events.

• Currently the role focuses on the Applegate brand only, but time may be allocated to other emerging brands within Hormel Foods portfolio (e.g. Justin’s) in the future.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, or public relations or equivalent work experience.

• 1-2 years’ experience in brand marketing or communications within a consumer-packaged goods industry, or equivalent work experience.

• Experience working on food and beverage communications, highly preferred.

• Basic understanding of and exposure to marketing principles and tactics for a consumer-facing brand.

• Demonstrated ability to work professionally and courteously with a wide range of internal and external clients.

• Excellent communication skills both oral and written. Ability to give clear direction and guidance. Ability to listen and accept feedback.

• Ability to be the “face” of a brand at trade shows and events.

• Ability to prioritize, multitask and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment. Needs minimal supervision to complete tasks.

• Highly organized. Ability to keep projects on track financially, strategically and in accordance with deadlines.

• Proficient with PC-Microsoft office applications (Word, Excel and PPT)

• Must exhibit a passion for food and the company’s vision, mission, and values.

• 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.

TRAVEL: Up to 10% travel

LOCATION : Bedminster, NJ

BENEFITS: Applegate Farms offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus target incentive, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k) immediate eligible, stock purchase plan, personal paid time. Relocation Assistance Program to eligible applicants, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

At Applegate, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for this role is between $61,000 - $85,500 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.

At Hormel Foods and Applegate 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/diversity-and-inclusion (https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion/#xd_co_f=ODYwYTlkNGYtOTNiZS00MTc5LTlmNjItOTFkNjZjOGFhYmIy)

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

Requisition ID : 28194

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.