The Corporate Strategy Associate will work on high priority projects and initiatives sponsored by Cargill’s Executive Team and other senior business leaders to develop high-impact corporate, business, and function strategies. Working within Cargill's Corporate Strategy group provides an exciting chance to create a meaningful impact within our company and the broader Food & Agriculture industry. You will work in partnership with Cargill’s leadership as trusted internal consultants to set Cargill’s strategic direction and drive sustained, profitable growth in an increasingly dynamic and global Food & Agriculture environment. You will think about how to manage the risks and gather the opportunities presented by the biggest global issues facing the world today – from food security, resource scarcity, and climate change to global trade flows and new technologies. Specific work may include evaluating market entry opportunities, developing new business models, or defining our long-term corporate strategy in response to emerging industry trends.

• Problem solving, including developing and testing hypotheses, qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis working towards feasible solutions
• Planning and structuring work in support of team leaders and overall project management
• Written and verbal communications, including storyline development and executive presentation preparation with clear insights and crisp recommendations
• Collaboration with business partners to capture information, build consensus for recommendations, etc.
• Project managing cross-functional teams to drive accountability for outcomes; leaning in to overcome roadblocks and problem solve when critical organizational initiatives go off-track
• Bring an objective and external lens to Cargill

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Required Qualifications:

• Pursuing an MBA or relevant Master’s degree with anticipated graduation date in December 2025 or Spring/Summer 2026
• 2-4 years of relevant work experience in consulting, strategy, food and agriculture, or other applicable roles
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities with strong business acumen, especially complex, ambiguous problems requiring integrated application of skills (e.g., finance, marketing, strategy, operations)
• Able to break down and structure problems independently, including defining the problem(s) to be solved, identifying analyses required (qualitative and quantitative), and connecting back to the workplan required to execute
• Able to comprehend content in many different forms (e.g., emails, reports, articles, spreadsheets) and quickly synthesize into clear and insightful output
• Experience modeling in Excel – such as performing financial assessments of portfolio segments and forward-expectations on business performance in light of market conditions and management interventions
• Experience in leading interviews with market experts, customers, or other stakeholders in order to gain market, business, or competitive insights (e.g., market or competitor trends, sources of competitive advantage)
• Excellent written communication skills, including 2+ years experience working in Powerpoint to create compelling and clear communications, including executive-level summaries, compelling visuals (both qualitative and quantitative), and crisp recommendations and insights
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including experience in delivering presentations to executives and in autonomously leading meetings with clear agenda & objectives, structured decisions, and clear next steps
• Demonstrated team and project leadership skills, including working collaboratively in a team while also acting independently when appropriate to drive outcomes
• Project and program management skills such as defining roles & responsibilities, standing up governance mechanisms, and driving accountability for achieving clear outcomes
• High sense of accountability, strong will to succeed, and demonstrated desire to learn
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Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of relevant work experience in management consulting, with experience in both strategy (e.g., growth strategy) and transformation (e.g., cost and change efforts)
• Ability to navigate complex organizations
• Ability to operate with partners across all levels of an organization
• Ability to travel, potentially up to 20% (depending on project needs)
• Demonstrated track record of driving measurable outcomes in an organization (e.g. change, growth, cost out)
• Exposure to, or demonstrated affinity for, Food & Agriculture or related industries

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Our Benefits:
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No matter who you are or where you are, we’ve designed our plans and programs to meet your needs. We want to help you take care of what’s needed for today and offer protection to help with tomorrow’s what-ifs.  You’ll have access to a wide variety of flexible and inclusive programs to meet your health, financial, and work/life needs to support you and help you thrive. Eligible programs and incentives include:  

• Paid holidays and floating holidays  
• Paid time off*  
• Comprehensive health care plans
• Short term and long-term incentives  
• Mental Health and Wellbeing program
• Digital Learning Library
• Retirement plans  
• Paid time to participate in volunteer and community outreach opportunities  
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Relocation benefits for those that qualify
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*Minnesota-based employees: Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law. 

Compensation:

The expected salary for this position is $150,000.00. The disclosed salary has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

At Cargill we put people first.  As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked.
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Our Vibrant Community:

At Cargill, you will be a part of our vibrant global community with a culture that celebrates diversity. This is a reflection of the clients we serve and generates an intellectually diverse set of employees. Business Resource Groups (BRGs) help us embrace our diversity, make our culture more inclusive and enhance our employees’ outstanding talents and perspectives to benefit our organization and employees.

Our U.S. Business Resource Groups include:  

Asian Alliance Network, Cargill Young Professionals Network, Cargill Ability Network (iCAN), Cargill Ebony Council, Hispanic-Latino Council, Cargill Pride Network, Veterans & Military Support Network, and Cargill Women’s Network.
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Job Locations:

• This position is based in Wayzata, MN
• This position has expectations around regular time in the office (at least 4 days per week)

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