Senior Manager, Consumer Insights

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made-creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we're a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Now, as part of Flowers Foods, we're entering an exciting new phase of growth-expanding our reach, accelerating innovation, and amplifying brand awareness, all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether it's watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers, we craft our products with innovative, wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company, and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women's Health, and NPR's How I Built This. In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at www.simplemills.com.

Role Description

The Senior Manager, Consumer Insights, plays a critical role in building the consumer

strategy and applying the methodologies and insights that will continue to drive growth for Simple Mills. This position will report to the Senior Director, Consumer Insights and responsibilities will include:

• Independently developing and leading comprehensive research plans, executing primary research and synthesizing syndicated sources (Circana, Numerator, Mintel, Hartman Group, etc...).
• Collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing consumer learning to tell a cohesive and actionable story with the ability to tailor to specific audiences.
• Collaborating with Marketing in development of marketing plans and long and short-term strategies to drive business objectives.
• Providing Consumer Insight leadership with cross-functional teams, and act as a strategic partner with Marketing, R&D, Sales, agencies, and consultants. Mentoring junior-level cross-functional team members.
• Demonstrating holistic thinking, strategic agility, influence and leadership with many levels of the organization.
• Providing input and help to craft Retailer Sales Stories.
• Effectively managing the Consumer Insights budget to proactively address both immediate and forward-looking strategic needs.
• Proactively uncovering innovative research methods and piloting them to enable quicker, consumer-informed decision making.
• Helping develop research best practices for the organization.
• Performs other projects as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Psychology, Marketing Research or related field required. Masters degree preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, preferably on the manufacturer-side and with a branded, consumer-packaged-goods company, or combination of supplier-side and manufacturer-side experience. Innovation and Food industry experience a plus.
• Excellent knowledge of marketing strategy and consumer insights fundamentals including primary & secondary consumer research, positioning & communication development, and strategic business analysis. This includes A&Us, segmentation, need states, white space identification, concept development/validation, post-launch analysis, test and learn approaches, advertising/communication evaluation and testing, packaging graphics/structure evaluation and testing, brand equity tracking, analyzing panel and subscription data and product testing and more.
• Must have strong analytical skills.
• Must have self-starter ability and demonstrate a high degree of independence, resiliency, leadership/ownership.
• Demonstrated success in leveraging consumer insights to drive business decisions and results.
• Must be able to develop an objective point-of-view and feel very comfortable sharing it and be seen as strategic thought leader on team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and storytelling ability.
• Must be comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
• Able to demonstrate agility and can pivot focus based on changes in business needs/conditions.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple workstreams and projects.
• Excellent planning and project management skills.
• Travel 10-20% of the time.
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Working at Simple Mills

• At Simple Mills, we're not just building a brand-we're leading a movement that's transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you're passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.
• Why Join Us?
• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We don't just talk about doing good-we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success.
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.
• At Simple Mills, you'll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If you're ready to shape the future of food, let's talk.

Benefits

• We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life.
• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $120,000 to $130,000
• Performance-Based Bonuses: Eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance, calculated at the end of the fiscal year.
• Comprehensive Health & Financial Benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a 401(k) retirement plan to support your long-term financial security.
• Work-Life Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to thrive both professionally and personally with unlimited PTO, Live Full Fridays (where afternoons are yours to recharge), and a three-week sabbatical after five years of service-because we believe your best work happens when you have the time to rest and refocus.
• Health & Wellness Perks: Lifestyle stipends and exclusive product perks to enhance your well-being-because your health and happiness matter.

We're committed to taking care of our people-so you can focus on making an impact.

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• Remote working may be considered for qualified candidates from a designated location in the United States (the new hire's permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) if willing and able to travel regularly to the Chicago office. Sufficient internet access to support video conferencing required.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@simplemills.com.