Scientist, R&D – Margin Enhancement

  • All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Research & Development
  • Date Published: November 6, 2024
  • Ref#: R-87731

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An office with Kraft Heinz product images on the wall
a 4 pack of raspberry jell-o

About the Role

Job Description

The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. Our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.  

No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious! 

Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration 

We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you’ll be rewarded. You’re given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won’t do it alone.  You’re supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress. 

Role 

This is a Research and Development (R&D) role leading Productivity Pipeline development initiatives across all businesses within the   Kraft Heinz North America.  The candidate will be developing and executing work plans and driving for results to meet business initiatives focused on productivity idea development and execution.  This includes basic understanding of the business need, commercialization, designing and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, documenting, and communicating results to both technical and non-technical audiences.  Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic cross-functional environment.  The candidate must also have a strong technical background and ability to think critically to apply prior knowledge and scientific principles to new situations.  This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently and with a moderate degree of autonomy.  Collaboration, growth-oriented mindset, and flexibility are a must. 

Key Components of the role  

  • Work with cross functional teams to lead and support projects from concept to commercialization, including Marketing, Operations, Quality, External Manufacturers, and Procurement 
  • Demonstrate the willingness and ability to learn new product categories and/or processing/packaging areas 
  • Manage multiple assignments/development projects concurrently to meet R&D timelines 
  • Call out and discuss priority conflicts between a variety of business initiatives 
  • Design, support, and execute plant trials, then summarize and translate results clearly for technical and non-technical teams 
  • Formula/product commercialization working closely with teams at production plants 
  • Direct communication with suppliers and manufacturing partners 
  • Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products and have a moderate degree of autonomy 
  • Create and update multi-component product specifications with attention to detail 

Qualifications: 

  • BS/MS in, Food Engineering, Packaging Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field 
  • Minimum of 2 years in a Technical Function (which can include all graduate and/or internship work) 
  • Product development and commercialization experience as well as direct experience with are desired but not a prerequisite 
  • Understanding of material functionality and interrelationship of ingredients, process, and packaging 
  • Excellent communication, influencing, prioritization, and project management skills 
  • Strong critical thinking skills and ability to make connections to the big picture 
  • Ability to lead, coach, and motivate others 
  • Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work 
  • Strong understanding of Design of Experiments 
  • Willingness to travel approximately 30% of the time 

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.

Digital at Kraft Heinz

The
Builders

Our Digital team empowers every aspect of our business.

Discovering what’s next in food using Python, Azure ML and Alteryx. Building and designing apps. Improving our supply chain.

We’re bringing agility to beloved brands across the globe — making life delicious for our customers and communities, today and tomorrow.

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a jar of Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter

HR at Kraft Heinz

The
Facilitators

People are what makes Kraft Heinz great. Today. And tomorrow.

In Human Resources, we’re finding and developing great talent to continue our legacy. We’re here for every colleague, for their performance and their wellbeing.

Together, we’re helping everyone to grow their own way.

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a jar of Heinz Garlic Sauce

Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz

The
Makers

Our Manufacturing team is a fully-integrated end-to-end supply chain. We’re the backbone of Kraft Heinz. The people behind the products, delivering the highest quality and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturing veteran or new to the world of plants, there’s tons of opportunity for career growth and development.

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Marketing at Kraft Heinz

The
Strategizers

Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.

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a package of Maxwell House Vanilla Iced Latte foam

R&D at Kraft Heinz

The
Creators

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.

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Sales at Kraft Heinz

The
Connectors

Our Sales team drives multibillion dollar distribution strategies. And we do this across channels and across the whole world!

We thrive wherever consumers can meet iconic and innovative brands — in retail, on-trade, and B2B. We’re the closest people to our customers, getting our products to the right people, in the right places.

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a package of Heinz by Nature tomato mozarella pasta
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Hear from
our people

“Kraft Heinz doesn’t just talk about their values, they live it every day.”

Traci
Senior Customer Sales Manager

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Hear from
our people

“The best is yet to come at Kraft Heinz. I’ve experienced the launch of a new purpose, new vision and values. Now I’m seeing all of those things truly take shape and that is very exciting.”

Michael
Associate Director Pension

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Hear from
our people

“The best thing about working at Kraft Heinz are the benefits and opportunities for growth and career development.”

Manetta
Talent acquisition Specialist

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About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage.  Our emerging and iconic food and beverage brands deliver the best taste, fun, and quality to every table we touch. Worldwide.

We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. Consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress. As we drive innovation company-wide.

Our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We believe in being good humans — working to improve our company, communities, and planet.

We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more thrilled about where we’re headed as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our iconic and nostalgic brands.

Good isn’t good enough. We choose greatness every day by making bold decisions and challenging what’s ordinary. All while celebrating our wins – and failures – as we work together to transform the future of food.

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