General information

Job Function: 10 - R&D

Date Published: 13-Sep-2023

Ref #: R-74634

Description & Requirements

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Consumer Experience (CX) Category Manager to make a difference at Kraft Heinz! This position lies within the International Growth R&D structure and is located in Nijmegen- Netherlands. You’ll be working in a successful team- alongside peers always trying to reach the next level. This position will be reporting into the CX Director.

The main role of the CX Category Manager is to provide thought leadership to drive consumer centricity within the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

  • The overall CX project management- ensuring impactful results- and supporting the rollout of our Category CX strategy.
  • Develop and lead well-rounded- comprehensive research plans across the product and pack consumer experience using all available Sensory & CX tools
  • Support the R&D category teams- ensuring that research results are turned into insights and meaningful actions.
  • Example of key projects that you will support running: Product renovation- innovation development and validation- design principles activation well as performance understanding.
  • Provide expertise to support assigned category and participate in the development of overall project objectives.
  • Working with the local teams (BUs CX and BU R&D teams) to ensure growth projects are including the markets’ needs.
  • Support the implementation of CX best practices for the Platforms. Lead CX fundamentals training and category specific training for R&D- marketing- sales and plant personnel to ensure consistent practices.
  • Act as a coach and mentor for Sensory support staff and junior team members
  • Actively collaborate with Culinary and Consumer Insights counterparts
  • Develops and use novel methodologies to meet changing business needs

Qualifications

Hard Skills

  • Degree level education: MSc (Food Science- Physical Science- Social Science or Market Research preferred) or PhD in Sensory Science preferred.
  • An experienced CX leader with established track record in sensory and Consumer Experience- from within consumer / FMCG / retail industries on the client side – ideally with food categories experience
  • Strong generalized knowledge and experience of Sensory and Consumer testing methodologies including descriptive analysis- discrimination testing- consumer research- questionnaire design- data analysis and interpretation. Experience with Lean Design- Design Think- Lean Start up technics is a plus.
  • Strong storytelling skills required for effective data presentation and business influence based on results.
  • Deep knowledge into category specific methodology and serving protocols for the assigned category.
  • Competency with Windows based software (Microsoft Office)
  • Advanced understanding of basic and multivariate statistics
  • Strong interpersonal and team skills (organisation- prioritisation and flexibility). Strong- credible and clear communicator with an ability to work cross-functionally
  • Strong problem solving and attention to detail skills
  • Strong consultation and influencing capability
  • Ability to simplify complex data analysis to actionable- easy to understand insights.

Professional Attributes

Resilience - ability to bounce back after a disappointment or set back- big or small. And always continue to move onward & upward.

Ability to Simplify - we like to keep it simple. And to implement fast. The ability to provide simple solutions when dealing with complex challenges will be appreciated.

Consumer Obsessed - always seeking for opportunities to expand and embed the consumer viewpoint in decision making across the business- helping to create competitive advantage for the organization.

Results driven - you don’t only focus on your own results- but always do what’s best for the company.

High pressure - you don’t get easily stressed by pressure- on the opposite- a demanding and dynamic environment is what keeps you energized.

What we offer you / You deserve

  • A competitive salary and excellent bonus structure (above market);
  • Always room for new ideas; if you have an excellent idea- please let us know- and we can set it in action!

We grow our people to grow our business. We develop extraordinary people who bring ambition- curiosity- and dedication to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making ambitious decisions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes

About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.

Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are 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 beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food.

Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.