Manager, R&D - Packaging Development

The Kraft Heinz Company • Glenview, IL

20h • Onsite

About The Position

This is a Research and Development (R&D) Packaging managerial and technical role, responsible for the North American Coffee and Yellow Cheese categories within the MCCS business unit. Directly lead developers and potentially contractors. This candidate should have a proven record of developing as well as executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of settings. Proven communication, teamwork, and people development skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic and cross-functional environment. The candidate will be responsible for packaging development to meet business initiatives focused on Growth, Brand Maintenance and Value Engineering. The candidate must also have a technical background to lead/execute packaging projects and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This position requires an individual to manage multiple tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD required; Discipline in Packaging, Materials Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred
• Minimum of 6+ years packaging development in the food or consumer products industry
• Proven ability to lead and execute technically complex packaging projects
• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others
• Independently manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

Responsibilities

• Directly lead a team of Packaging developers and potentially contractors
• Deliver the in-year, Y+1, and longer-term Innovation and Renovation for the BU Growth Plan
• Deliver the in-year and pipeline Productivity specific to Coffee Packaging
• Partner with the Packaging ESG and Technology team to establish programs for the Corporate ESG goal of having 100% of packaging being recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025
• Independently lead packaging development and commercialization of material and packaging systems to deliver against short- and long-term business objectives
• Manage technical timelines, provide timely communication, raise issues and risks, and develop contingency plans leveraging strong project management skills
• Responsible for identifying, defining, and solving technical packaging challenges
• Collaborate and partner with suppliers to identify new technology opportunities, optimizing the utilization of Kraft Heinz and supplier resources and tools
• Elevate the competence and expertise of junior developers through training, coaching, and external networking
• Management of junior staff including creation of development plans, building teamwork, and balancing of workload
• Strategic project influence in collaboration with OPS and marketing
• Help plan and execute budget needs for technical and capital execution
• Be consumer driven and elevate Innovative Packaging to help solve consumer pain points
• Self-motivating with a sense of urgency to prioritize against Kraft Heinz’s overall strategic path, both within the role and from a broader company delivery
• Understand and be fluent in day-to-day routines and systems for commercialization

Benefits

• Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
• Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs.
• Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
• We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
• You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example: Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager