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Strategy Planning Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Director of Strategy

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Drive the strategic plan of the organization, lead strategic planning and development, interface with executive leadership, the Board of Directors, staff, and external constituents. Key functions ...

Director of Strategy

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Drive the strategic plan of the organization, lead strategic planning and development, interface with executive leadership, the Board of Directors, staff, and external constituents. Key functions ...

Strategic Leadership & Planning * Collaborate with key stakeholders across the business to align priorities. * Lead and implement overall strategic planning process for the Supply business, bringing ...

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Strategic Leadership & Planning * Collaborate with key stakeholders across the business to align priorities. * Lead and implement overall strategic planning process for the Supply business, bringing ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Strategy Planning information

What is strategy planning?

Strategy planning is the process of defining an organization's direction and making decisions on allocating resources to pursue this direction. It involves setting long-term goals, analyzing competitive environments, and determining the best actions to achieve business objectives. Professionals in strategy planning help organizations anticipate changes, identify opportunities, and create frameworks to guide decision-making and growth. This process typically includes data analysis, stakeholder input, and regular review to adapt to evolving circumstances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a strategy planning professional?

To thrive in Strategy Planning, you need strong analytical abilities, business acumen, and experience in market research, typically supported by a degree in business, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI), strategic frameworks, and possibly certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder management skills help professionals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing effective business strategies that drive organizational growth and ensure competitive advantage.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in a strategy planning role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Strategy Planning often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests, adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, and ensuring that strategic initiatives are actionable and measurable. To address these challenges, it’s important to foster open communication across departments, stay updated on industry trends, and use data-driven frameworks to support recommendations. Strong collaboration and adaptability are key, as is regularly revisiting and refining strategic plans to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

What is the difference between Strategy Planning vs Business Analysis?

AspectStrategy PlanningBusiness Analysis
Primary FocusDeveloping long-term strategic goals and plansAnalyzing business processes and requirements to improve efficiency
Required SkillsStrategic thinking, market research, forecastingData analysis, process modeling, stakeholder communication
Work EnvironmentExecutive meetings, strategic workshopsProject teams, operational settings
CertificationsStrategic Management, PMP (optional)CBAP, CCBA, PMI-PBA

Strategy Planning focuses on setting long-term goals and creating plans to achieve them, while Business Analysis concentrates on understanding and improving current business processes. Both roles require analytical skills but serve different purposes within an organization.

How do you become a strategy planner?

To become a strategy planner, typically a candidate needs a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in consulting, marketing, or business analysis can also be valuable, and some professionals pursue advanced certifications like the Certified Strategic Planner (CSP).

What are strategy planning jobs?

Strategy planning jobs involve developing long-term goals and actionable plans to help organizations achieve their objectives. These roles typically require skills in analysis, market research, and strategic thinking, often utilizing tools like SWOT analysis and business models. Professionals in this field work closely with leadership to guide decision-making and resource allocation.

What does a strategy planning do?

Strategy planning involves developing long-term goals and determining the best actions to achieve them. Professionals in this role analyze market trends, assess organizational strengths and weaknesses, and create strategic plans to guide decision-making and resource allocation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Strategy Planning jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Strategy Planning jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Strategy Planning job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Associate Manager, Portfolio Strategy and Planning -Yogurt

Lactalis

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Lactalis USA rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Looking for a job that can grow into a lifelong career?
At Lactalis USA, we believe in promoting from within and giving our employees meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, we'll provide the tools and support you need to succeed.
Lactalis is the world leader in dairy-a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Every day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together every day.
In the US, we offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with sour cream and a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.
At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We're building a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.
Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us make an impact.
From your PASSION to ours
The Associate Manager, Portfolio Strategy & Planning Manager will contribute to the strategic development, storytelling, commercialization and execution of retail initiatives across retail channels. This role will be the go-to headquarter partner for the Field Sales team - collaborating throughout the selling process to deliver the strongest, insight-driven narratives while working internally with Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, Trade Planning and Finance to ensure optimal execution of priorities. This role will specifically be responsible for the commercialization of Oui and Brown Cow products, sales strategy and performance analytics. The Associate Manager, Portfolio Strategy & Planning reports to the Senior Manager, Portfolio Strategy & Planning.
Requirements
From your EXPERTISE to ours
Key responsibilities for this position include:
Strategic Thought Leadership
  • Contribute to the development of the Lactalis Yogurt Sales Strategy, utilizing point of sale data, shopper insights and trends. Partner with the Field Sales team to tailor strategy across customers - prioritizing innovation based on assortment gaps, regional trends, and internal capabilities.
  • Manage Innovation Plan, working collaboratively with Marketing to ensure the right innovation is developed and shepherded through the commercialization process. Ensure critical sales deadlines are met without sacrificing the quality of the proposition.
  • Utilize category management skills to develop fact-based sales presentations employing brand research to include customer and consumer syndicated data such as IRI/Circana, AC Nielsen, Numerator. Incorporate this information into on-going planning and decision making for focus brand(s).
  • Collaborate with internal functions and customer teams to create innovative brand solutions to accelerate brand growth that address critical plan risks. Represent the voice of sales to the headquarter teams - ensure clear communication to the field sales team of changes in the plans and implications.
  • Provide data-driven insights of brand(s) business trends, marketing strategies, competitive landscape, and regional/channel risks and opportunities; help develop the strategy that ties brand, category and customer plans together.

General Management & Executional Excellence
  • Partner with Demand Planning and Brand Marketing to contribute to the forecasting process for Qui and Brown Cow. Coordinate the brand Risks & Opportunities, develop communication and action plan. Partner with the customer strategy team to ensure that accepted item volumes, reset timings, and promotions are all accurately reflected in monthly demand plan.
  • Enable connectivity between field sales team and brand team, ensuring appropriate focus on priorities, adherence to brand guidelines and Topline partnership from concept to launch.
  • Partner with Finance and Brand Marketing to develop project P&Ls; lead development and communication of recommendations based on financial analysis, project rationale and operational feasibility.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

From your STORY to ours
Qualified applicants will contribute the following:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree

Experience
  • 5+ years of CPG Sales or Brand Marketing required
  • Category Strategy, Sales Strategy & Planning and/or Trade Marketing experience a plus

Certifications and specific knowledge
  • Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills required.
  • Proven experience with syndicated data and decision data/tools such as IRI/Circana, AC Nielsen, Spectra, Numerator, Scintilla, HH Panel, SPINs, Symphony
  • General knowledge of the Commercialization process.

#YOGURTIND
At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.
Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.
Salary Description
$85,000-$105,000 annually

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