Head of Internal Communications

Pivot Strategies is conducting this executive search on behalf of Hormel Foods. Our Talent Acquisition team will lead the search and candidate engagement process, providing a high-touch experience throughout the selection process. Candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with the opportunity will be advanced for direct engagement and interviews with Hormel Foods' leadership team.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Internal Communications Lead (Head of Internal Communications) leads the strategy, governance and execution of internal communications across the enterprise. This role owns how organizational strategy and priorities are communicated to team members, ensuring clarity and alignment at all levels of the company.

This position serves as the central point of accountability for internal communications, setting the vision, standards and operating model while partnering closely with senior leaders, human resources and business units. The role translates complex business strategies into clear, relevant and actionable communications that support performance, transformation and culture.

This role reports to the Chief Communications Officer and has high visibility and impact within the organization. 

Key responsibilities:

• Enterprise internal communications strategy: Owns the enterprise internal communications strategy, aligning messaging, cadence, and channels to business priorities and organizational needs. 
• Companywide communication channel strategy: Owns strategy of enterprise internal communication channels, including effectiveness and evolution. 
• Executive and leadership communications: Serves as a strategic advisor to senior leaders on internal messaging and communication approaches for enterprise initiatives. 
• Change and transformation communications: Develops communication plans that support understanding and adoption for enterprise initiatives and major organizational changes. 
• Measurement and effectiveness: Defines success metrics for internal communications; uses data and insights to evaluate effectiveness, identify gaps and continuously improve strategy, content, and channels. 
• Team and operating model leadership: Leads and develops the internal communications team, including setting priorities, building capabilities and establishing best practices.
• Oversee event planning and graphic design: In addition to the above core responsibilities, this position oversees the company’s corporate meeting and event planning team as well as manages fully outsourced graphic design capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
• 10+ years of experience in communications, public relations or a related field with demonstrated success supporting or leading corporate communications initiatives.  
• Demonstrated ability to lead internal communications strategy in complex, matrixed organizations. 
• Strong executive presence with experience advising senior leaders. Strong ability to build trust at all levels of the organization, and build and maintain strong relationships with leadership, team members and internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence without authority, and operate at both strategic and executional levels. 
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business objectives into communication plans.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills; able to anticipate needs, navigate sensitive topics and recommend thoughtful solutions.
• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. 

LOCATION: Global Headquarters, Austin MN

 A comprehensive relocation package to the Austin, MN area will be offered, if required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Travel may be necessary 10% of the time.

At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of the total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for the Head of Internal Communications role is between $113,500 - $158,900 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. 

Other components of Hormel Foods' total compensation package include 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. 

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.