Private Brands Culinary & Innovation Insights Analyst

Private Brands Culinary & Innovation Insights Analyst

Supports the development of Hy-Vee's private brand strategy by identifying culinary trends, flavor innovation, and product opportunities. Conducts in-depth research and analysis of food culture, global trends, and consumer behavior to inspire product innovation. Collaborates with Innovation, Category, and Culinary teams to translate emerging insights into actionable recommendations that align with brand goals.

Accountable and Reports to: Director, Private Brands Innovation & Product Development Direct Reports: None

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conducts continuous monitoring of culinary, cultural, and product trends across local and global markets.
• Analyzes industry reports, foodservice menus, social media, and consumer behavior to identify early signals of innovation.
• Creates reports and presentations that synthesize findings into clear insights and implications for Hy-Vee's private brands.
• Supports innovation workshops and ideation sessions with relevant research and inspiration decks.
• Tracks trend adoption curves and identifies whitespace opportunities for new product development.
• Collaborates with the Innovation and Culinary teams to inform and guide concept development and product testing.
• Benchmarks competitive innovation and evaluates differentiation opportunities within Hy-Vee's assortment.
• Helps maintain a library of innovation case studies, trend summaries, and culinary research materials.
• Assists with coordination of internal and external trend tours, tasting panels, and exploratory research activities.
• Performs other strategic and analytical duties as assigned to support innovation and culinary excellence.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, marketing, trend forecasting, or a related field preferred.
• 13 years of experience in culinary research, trend analysis, product innovation, or related field preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Visual requirements include: ability to see detail at near and far range with or without correction.
• Must be physically able to perform light work: occasionally lifting or carrying objects of no more than 20 pounds, and frequent standing or walking.
• Must be able to perform the following physical activities: stooping, kneeling, reaching, handling, grasping, tasting, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Worker Characteristics:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Commitment to the Hy-Vee Mission and a willingness to promote the values of the company.
• Strong interpersonal skills. An ability to relate to and interact with other people in a friendly, professional manner.
• Ability to identify problems, develop and execute solutions.
• Passion for food and emerging culinary trends.
• Strong research and synthesis skills with the ability to connect seemingly disparate inputs into coherent insights.

Working Conditions:

• The duties of this position are performed in a general office environment, with occasional work in culinary or sensory settings.
• There may be occasional travel for trend tours, trade shows, or vendor visits.
• There is frequent pressure to manage timelines and meet deadlines across multiple projects.

Financial Responsibility: Provides insights that inform private brand innovation investments and product development priorities.

Confidentiality: Has access to confidential information, including product plans, vendor innovation pipelines, and private brand strategy.