Associate Trend Analyst JLB

Associate Trend Analyst - JLB exclusively supports Target

Our Associate Trend analyst serves as a valuable resource that anchors our clients in the forward momentum of market trends using world-class U.S. and European trend resources, observational trends from trade shows and market tours, and extensive digital research. Our clients include our sales team, sales vendors, category management team, and Target Merchants.

Under the guidance of a Trend Manager, the Associate Trend Analyst demonstrates the ability to research, identify and track market trends within a category and consumer trends (behavior, cultural and generational) and is responsible for aligning category-specific white space/new business opportunities that align with Retailer/Merchant strategies.

Inspiration and actional recommendations are delivered through customized trend reports and an occasional market tour that are tailored to Target and specific merchant strategies.

Their recommendations influence assortment strategies, product development and/or new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Research and monitor consumer and product trends across retail and e-commerce categories.
• Analyze patterns and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights for internal teams.
• Track social media trends and leverage global trend services for forecasting.
• Collaborate with senior analysts and managers to support strategic planning.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing trend observations and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Merchandising, or related field.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills; ability to identify patterns and interpret data.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and trend analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule: 2 days per week in the Minneapolis office.
• Future opportunities for trade shows and industry events as career progresses.

Job Will Remain Open Until Filled

The Company is one of North America's leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics, and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Responsibilities

• Research market and product trends: macro, consumer, cultural, and category specific trends using trend resources, observational trends from trade shows, market tours, and extensive digital research to gain deep insights and identify retail trends and white space opportunities. Use trend curve to align findings within company definitions and expectations

• Trend reporting: connect the dots between observations from the market, trade show analysis, reports from leading trend publications and digital media. Analyze and apply trend research to create custom trend analysis reports that include macro, consumer, and product trends for a category. Create and present reports inclusive of concise storytelling that shape product and merchandising strategies

• Relationships: serve as a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to clients. Understand company strategies and the marketplace to help identify opportunities for business growth. Navigate and balance needs of clients and interact with merchants or clients with comfort and ease

• Inspire action: lead and inspire clients through trend research safaris, curated itineraries including aspirational stores and experiences to inspire new ideas. Support line-review by creating trend material and directing teams to bring showrooms to life in alignment with seasonal strategy. Complete ad hoc projects requested by clients for deep dives into new categories or white space opportunities

Qualifications

• Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree

• Experience Requirements: 2-4 years experience in relevant field (Trend Forecasting or Strategy experience preferred)

• Travel requirement: Some travel expected

Supervisor Responsibility

Direct Reports: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities for direct reports

Indirect Reports: Does not have direct reports, but may delegate work of others and provide guidance, direction and mentoring to indirect reports

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrates proficiency, self-motivation and expertise in trend research with the ability to connect the dots between multiple resources including market observations, trade show analysis, reports from leading trend publications and digital media

• Identify and triangulate white space/new business opportunities that align with retailer/merchant strategies, market opportunities and client strategies to provide actionable insights

• Prioritize numerous projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and allocation of time and resources accordingly

• Simplify complex ideas or large amounts of research/data into understandable and concise stories to influence business decisions and drive new business growth

• Strong presentation skills, comfortable presenting to groups of 10 people or more, including merchants and clients

• Strong visual and graphic design skills to make impactful trend presentations using design and presentation tools

• Demonstrates a customer-centric approach with a service mindset and cultivates positive relationships

Environmental & Physical Requirements
Field Requirements: Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work is performed in a retail in-store environment, which may include working in variable temperatures such as refrigerated areas, freezer sections and deli/bakery areas. The position typically requires the ability to spend 66%+ hours each workday performing the following activities: Engage in considerable physical activity, ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds, stand on feet for long periods of time, use consumer goods products, prepare, and serve food and beverages safely as appropriate for the product demonstration.

Additional Information Regarding Job Duties
Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one's supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job positions, or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of associates so classified. The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental disability, or any other category protected by law. As part of this commitment, the Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable an applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by law.