Principal Strategist

Mintel is seeking a globally recognized thought leader to serve as the Principal Strategist – Wellness. This client-facing, senior-level role is central to shaping Mintel’s perspective on the evolving wellness landscape, particularly within high-impact categories such as Beauty, Food & Drink, and Household. Wellness continues to be a dynamic and high-pressure space — especially for brands in categories like Beauty, Food & Drink, and Household — as they respond to fast-evolving consumer needs and expectations.  

We are looking for a seasoned visionary to challenge conventional thinking, helping clients stay ahead of emerging behaviors, and capitalize on new opportunities. As a subject matter expert in how wellness influences consumer decision-making, you will guide how brands —particularly in the CPG space – can navigate, innovate, and lead in the wellness industry.

With a passion for trendspotting and storytelling, you’ll lead client-facing engagements, shape syndicated content and develop groundbreaking thought leadership that redefines how the market thinks about Wellness. Your insights and guidance will drive strategy, inspire innovation, and strengthen decision-making for a wide range of clients.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of depth within consumer and social analytics research, strategic perspective, and communication expertise, with a track record of producing high-impact content and connecting with audiences of all levels.

As the Principal Strategist, you will be globally recognized as a thought leader in the industry and will have significant influence externally and internally: advising clients on how to win in the wellness industry, providing input on Mintel product development, and driving revenue growth for Mintel and our clients.

This is a Hybrid position based in Chicago. 

What You Will Be Doing:

• Deliver Strategic Client Engagements
  • Lead client engagements through presentations, webinars, and collaborative workshops that spark strategic conversations at the C-Suite level
  • Work on engagements that may include custom analysis, trend forecasting, or activation of syndicated insight
  • Serve as a go-to expert for Commercial and Consulting teams, advising on how to apply thought leadership in client contexts and answering questions on the spot with authority

• Develop Forward-Focused Content
  • Identify emerging themes and lead the development of bold, provocative insights
  • Create content that is opinionated, provocative, and deeply researched—intended to shift client thinking and provide competitive foresight
  • Collaborate with content teams to provide storyline leadership, particularly in refining key opportunities and future-focused insights

• Influence Industry Conversation
  • Represent Mintel globally at conferences, webinars, industry events, and campaign activations (e.g., Big Conversations, Mintel’s Most Innovative)
  • Partner with Marketing and PR teams to provide expert commentary on real-time cultural, social, and political shifts
  • Elevate and quality check content created by Insights teams where relevant
  • Proactively build your network by engaging with clients and connecting with thought leaders from around the world.

• Partner Internally
  • Collaborate with the Commercial team to regularly gather client feedback and market signals to guide future-focused content
  • Work closely with Consulting and Content leadership to ensure alignment between thought leadership and broader business strategy
  • Mentor and educate other experts within the organization

What We Are Looking For:

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in research, strategic insights, marketing intelligence, or a related field (within Mintel or equivalent), as well as deep category expertise within Wellness
• Thought Leadership Track Record: Demonstrated ability to consistently produce high-quality, insightful wellness-related content recognized by both internal and external audiences (e.g., award-winning reports, client accolades), with a strong personal brand and authority
• Authority & Credibility: Ability to speak with confidence on the category and its influencing factors, and back up insights with evidence
• Outstanding Communication Skills: Confident in leading both large-scale and intimate presentations; capable of adapting style for executive audiences and interactive settings, with strong stage presence
• Foresight & Vision: Strong ability to forecast future market trends and guide clients toward innovative thinking; adept at storytelling and making data-driven projections
• Collaborative Mindset: A team player who works well across Commercial, Content, and Marketing functions to amplify insight impact
• Proactive: You take initiative to build your brand alongside Mintel’s, create thought-provoking foresight, and drive business growth by helping our clients succeed

Time Allocation:

• 80–90%: Client engagement, conference presentations, events, PR, and marketing-led activity
• 10–20%: Development of original thought leadership content and collaboration on syndicated content elevation

The below reflects the range of base salary for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, and qualifications. The salary range for this role is: $120,000 USD to $150,000 USD. 

Alongside salary, Mintel offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employer paid life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match and paid time off. We are invested in our employees' wellbeing which is why we also offer flexible working hours, ClassPass subsidy, mental health benefit through Modern Health, paid volunteer time off, paid birthday leave and paid parental leave.

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