Lead Commercialization

  • All Posting Locations: Chicago, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Manufacturing
  • Date Published: May 10, 2025
  • Ref#: R-92763

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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

Job Purpose

The Project Execution Lead role is a Chicago Aon-based Project Management position, residing within the Operations organization. The successful candidate will spearhead the strategy and execution of product commercialization to help deliver the goals of each KHC business unit. The primary responsibilities will be driving the successful delivery of the North America Zone’s portfolio of project initiatives. The role requires strong and effective leadership extending across multiple functional areas, aligning efforts between R&D, marketing, sales, finance and supply chain teams to ensure that each launch or product change is seamlessly executed and thrives in market. Proven communication, collaboration, & influencing skills are critical for the candidate’s success and to realize Kraft Heinz’s long-term strategic commitments. The Project Commercialization Lead will lead a diverse team of Project Managers and be responsible for the development of their project management skills to build a highly talented execution team.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

  • Accountable for KHC’s end-to-end commercialization process, from initial concept to successful market launch and post-launch review
  • Monitor and communicate project risk to executive teams while supporting the development of mitigation strategies
  • Leading and driving action in Portfolio Management Review meetings, providing analytics and KPI reports to leadership teams
  • Build a best-in-class project management team with the skills and mindset to enable KHC’s strategic plans
  • Lead cross-functional leadership across R&D, Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Quality to innovate on execution processes to improve our speed to market timing
  • Strengthen the quality, operational, technical rigor within the KHC commercialization processes leading to improved in-market success
  • Collaborate with PMO counterparts internally and externally to enhance our project management systems identifying and applying industry leading tools as well as strengthening KHC’s portfolio management capabilities
  • Support the optimization of KHC’s governance processes and lead the Stage Gate process for a specific area

Expected Experience & Required Skills

  • 5+ years Leading Commercialization Projects or Project Teams
  • Proven experience in product development and commercialization, preferably in the CPG or food & beverage industry with PMP Certification or similar preferred
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, able to lead and motivate teams across different departments and levels
  • Innovative mindset with a passion for creating products that resonate with consumers
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of leading conversations for both internal teams and external partners

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Normal office environment with limited travel or visits to external locations; offices are open workspaces. Role will travel less than10% of the time. Additionally, this role requires 5 days/week with hybrid flexibility to work remote 2 days/week.

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.

New Hire Base Salary Range:

$137,400.00 – $171,700.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: 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.

Wellbeing: 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

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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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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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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.

NEED ALT
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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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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.

NEED ALT
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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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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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