We are hiring Rockstars to join our Sauer Brands team!
About Sauer Brands
Sauer Brands is a leading manufacturer of condiments, spices, and seasonings with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. With headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, our portfolio includes iconic brands such as Duke's Mayonnaise, Mateo's Salsa, Kernel Seasons, and The Spice Hunter. We are committed to delighting our consumers with exceptional product experiences every day.
Overall Goal of Position
We are looking for a passionate and strategic Consumer Insights Manager with 5-7 years of relevant experience in CPG , consumer insights, and/or management consulting to join our growing team. This role is focused on uncovering and communicating deep consumer understanding that fuels brand growth, drives innovation, and informs strategic decisions across the Sauer Brands portfolio. The ideal candidate thrives at turning complex data into clear, actionable insights, and brings a blend of analytical rigor and consumer empathy to their work.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Consumer Insights, the Consumer Insights Manager will partner with Brand Marketing, Sales Strategy & Category Management, R&D, and Executive Leadership to champion the voice of the consumer across the organization. This role will lead both syndicated data analysis and custom research initiatives. This role will be responsible for developing actionable recommendations to drive brand strategy, GTM strategy, innovation, and competitive positioning. If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for data-driven decision-making, we'd love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
- Consumer-Centric Brand Strategy : Translate consumer needs, motivations, and behaviors into actionable insights that inform brand positioning, creative development, and strategic planning.
- Innovation Support : Identify white space and unmet needs through trend analysis, syndicated market data analysis, and consumer exploration; support concept validation and in-market testing for new products and/or line extensions.
- Trend Scanning & Activation : Monitor macro consumer, cultural, and food trends; synthesize and share learnings across the organization to inspire forward-looking brand and innovation strategies; facilitate cross-functional brainstorming sessions to stimulate ideation and feed the stage-gate innovation pipeline.
- Custom Research Leadership : Design, manage, and analyze qualitative and quantitative consumer research (e.g., concept tests, attitude & usage, positioning, product testing) in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Brand Health & Equity Tracking : Monitor key metrics (e.g., awareness, consideration, perception) and deliver regular readouts to inform brand performance and marketing effectiveness.
- Category Trends & Market Data Analysis : Leverage platforms like Circana/IRI, Nielsen, YouGov, and Technomic to enrich understanding of consumer trends, category dynamics, and competitive landscapes.
- Shopper Trends & Panel Data Analysis : Analyze shopper behavior using panel data (e.g., household penetration, buy rate) to uncover trends or key opportunities for brand growth.
- Insights Communication & Reporting : Deliver compelling, insight-led presentations and storytelling to cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership.
- Vendor Management : Serve as the primary liaison for research vendors, managing project timelines, budgets, and/or deliverables.
Personal Characteristics:
- Strategic thinker with a passion for understanding people and behavior
- Naturally curious and driven to uncover the "why" behind the data
- Analytical but also able to creatively think outside the box to answer critical business questions
- Confident and clear communicator who can simplify the complex
- Independent, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Passionate about food, brand building, and the consumer
- 5-7 years of relevant experience (i.e., CPG, consumer or category insights, management consulting)
- Bachelor's degree required, MBA preferred
- Experience managing both qualitative and quantitative research projects
- Strong skills in syndicated data tools (e.g., Circana/IRI, Nielsen, Numerator, Technomic, YouGov, 84.51)
- Strong skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
- Track record of turning insights into impact through cross-functional influence
- Richmond, VA (Hybrid)
- Occasional travel may be required
Our company acknowledges talented people are attracted to companies that provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits packages and outstanding advancement opportunities. For this reason we offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following:
- 401K
- Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
- Vacation, Sick Days and Holidays
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee and Dependent Life Insurance
- Voluntary Disability Insurance
- Other Voluntary Insurance Options
Sauer Brands, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.