Role Overview for Head of Shopper Insights – Global FMCG Leader – Chicago, IL
Are you a visionary leader with a profound understanding of shopper behavior and a passion for driving strategic growth in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector? JRG Partners is exclusively partnering with a globally recognized FMCG powerhouse, a true leader in its categories, to find their next Head of Shopper Insights.
This pivotal role, based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of how millions of consumers interact with beloved brands worldwide. As the Head of Shopper Insights, you will be at the forefront of understanding the evolving shopper landscape, translating complex data into actionable strategies that influence product innovation, marketing campaigns, retail execution, and overall business growth across global markets.
This is more than just an insights role; it’s a strategic leadership position where you will build, mentor, and inspire a world-class team, championing a data-driven culture throughout the organization. You will be instrumental in identifying emerging trends, uncovering unmet shopper needs, and optimizing the shopper journey from discovery to purchase and beyond.
If you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, possess an insatiable curiosity, and have a proven track record of leveraging insights to deliver tangible business results on a global scale, then we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact within a market-leading enterprise.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Shopper Insights – Global FMCG Leader – Chicago, IL
Develop and Execute Global Shopper Insights Strategy
Define and implement a comprehensive, forward-thinking global shopper insights strategy aligned with overall business objectives, market growth priorities, and brand strategies across diverse geographies.
Lead Primary and Secondary Research Initiatives
Oversee the design, execution, and analysis of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research studies, including ethnographies, online surveys, focus groups, segmentation studies, path-to-purchase analysis, and retail environment testing.
Translate Data into Actionable Strategies
Synthesize complex data from multiple sources (POS, panel data, digital analytics, custom research) into clear, concise, and compelling insights that drive strategic recommendations for marketing, sales, R&D, category management, and executive leadership.
Drive Innovation in Insights Methodologies
Champion the adoption of cutting-edge research methodologies, advanced analytics, AI/ML applications, and new data sources to enhance the depth and speed of shopper understanding and predictive capabilities.
Build and Mentor a High-Performing Team
Recruit, develop, and lead a talented team of shopper insights professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Provide clear direction, coaching, and career development opportunities.
Strategic Partnership and Influence
Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to senior leadership across various functions, effectively communicating insights and influencing key business decisions related to product launches, packaging, pricing, promotion, and channel strategy.
Manage Agency Relationships and Budgets
Select, manage, and optimize relationships with external research agencies and vendors, ensuring high-quality deliverables, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to timelines. Oversee the global shopper insights budget effectively.
Monitor Market and Consumer Behavior Trends
Continuously monitor the evolving retail landscape, competitive activities, and global consumer behavior trends to identify emerging opportunities and threats, providing proactive insights to inform long-term strategy.
Embed Insights into Business Processes
Work cross-functionally to integrate shopper insights seamlessly into the company’s strategic planning cycles, product development gates, and sales execution frameworks, ensuring insights are consistently applied and measured.
Thought Leadership
Represent the company as a thought leader in shopper insights at industry conferences, webinars, and internal forums, elevating the organization’s reputation for consumer-centricity and data-driven decision-making.
Requirements for the Head of Shopper Insights – Global FMCG Leader – Chicago, IL
Extensive Experience
Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in shopper insights, consumer insights, or market research, with at least 5-7 years in a leadership role within the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector, preferably with global exposure.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Psychology, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is highly preferred.
Proven Strategic Impact
Demonstrated track record of translating complex shopper and market data into strategic business outcomes, driving significant growth, market share gains, or innovation success.
Research Methodology Expertise
Deep expertise in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including advanced statistical analysis, segmentation, conjoint analysis, pricing research, and digital analytics tools.
Analytical Acumen
Superior analytical skills with the ability to identify patterns, trends, and causal relationships in large, disparate datasets. Proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python) is a significant plus.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication, presentation, and storytelling abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex insights clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.
Leadership and Team Development
Proven ability to build, lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing, geographically dispersed teams. Experience fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.
Financial Acumen
Experience managing large research budgets, negotiating with vendors, and demonstrating ROI for insights investments.
Global Perspective
Experience working across multiple international markets, understanding cultural nuances, and adapting insights strategies for global relevance and local execution.
FMCG & Retail Domain Knowledge
In-depth understanding of the retail landscape, omnichannel shopper journeys, category management principles, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the FMCG industry.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client, a true global leader, understands the importance of attracting and retaining top-tier talent. As the Head of Shopper Insights, you will be offered a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package designed to reward your expertise and contributions.
This includes a robust base salary commensurate with your experience and the seniority of the role, complemented by an attractive performance-based bonus structure that aligns with individual and company success.
Beyond direct compensation, you will gain access to an extensive array of benefits and perks tailored to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and work-life balance.
Key benefits include world-class health, dental, and vision insurance plans, ensuring you and your family have access to premium healthcare. A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match will help secure your financial future.
We prioritize your well-being with ample paid time off, company holidays, and flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid model that blends office collaboration with remote flexibility.
You will also benefit from continuous learning and professional development opportunities, access to cutting-edge industry tools and technologies, and a clear pathway for career advancement within a truly global organization. Our inclusive and dynamic company culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, while additional perks such as employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and potential relocation assistance (if applicable) further underscore our commitment to our employees’ holistic success.
How to Apply
If you are a strategic insights leader ready to make a significant impact on a global scale within the FMCG industry, we encourage you to take the next step. Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this Head of Shopper Insights role.
Leverage your expertise to shape the future of consumer engagement with a world-leading company. For more information on how JRG Partners excels in connecting top talent with industry leaders, visit our dedicated JRG Partners Consumer Goods & Retail Practice page.
