All posting locations: USA-IL, , United States of America
Job Function: 10 - R&D
Date Published: 06-Feb-2023
Ref #: R-66300
Description & Requirements
This is a Research and Development (R&D) Packaging technical role- in the ESG Technology Packaging Group. This position offers the candidate an excellent opportunity to identify- drive and lead innovative and disruptive packaging material technology initiatives (for innovation- productivity and sustainability) that will be instrumental in delivering novel- functional- cost competitive solutions that support our packaging sustainability commitments across the Kraft Heinz portfolio.
Role / Title
The role includes identifying material/polymer/packaging technology solutions and research pathways- and leading proof of concept- technology scale up- and seamless transition of technologies to the business units.
This individual must have strong technical skills and be able to link technologies to applications- while demonstrating intellectual curiosity- problem solving- leadership- and project management skills.
This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently with a high degree of autonomy.
Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.
Key Components of the role
Work with internal and external teams and cross functional partners to understand opportunities and build solid plans with defined timing and deliverables
Build and coordinate relationships with suppliers and technology partners to drive technology pathways
Work with external resin- coating- material- film manufacturers- as well as universities- institutes- start-ups to define and direct research and development of materials to meet specific platform and application needs
Execute research plans- including patent/literature reviews- tech documentation- prototyping- lab testing- qualification on pilot and/or production equipment at vendor or at Kraft Heinz
Translate research findings into meaningful recommendations- communicating results and driving decisions and technology adoption
Pilot and scale technology for packaging lead applications- to demonstrate viability for further adoption
Represent KHC in relevant external industry collaborations and partnerships across the value chain
Act as Subject Matter Expert- leading and driving functional training and process improvements for the pkg organization
Act as technical expert for junior developers and flex onto projects requiring problem solving
Manage multiple/large initiatives with complex scopes and/or cross enterprise applicability concurrently
Have a high degree of autonomy
Qualifications:
MS/PhD with polymers/materials focus in Packaging- Materials- Chemical Engineering or related field
Minimum 6 years of experience in academia and industry (which can include post-doc work and/or internships/co-ops)
Expert understanding of packaging materials- polymers- functionality- qualification and commercialization of plastics- coatings- barriers- design of experiments- technical problem solving and ability to coach others in these areas
Prefer understanding of ESG/Packaging Sustainability technologies and external partnerships and ability to coach others in these areas
Strong track record of championing innovation and packaging technology- driving to successful execution
Excellent- proven communication (presentations to global teams- senior leadership)- influencing- project/platform management and problem-solving skills
Strong ability to lead- coach and motivate others
Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to prioritize work for self and others.
Influence across packaging value chain internally and externally
Willingness to travel 30%
#LI-Hybrid
About Us
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 and 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.
Vaccination & Office Collaboration Expectations
Our highest priority is always the health, wellbeing, and safety of our Kraft Heinz family. We require our office-based, home-based, R&D, and sales team members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless approved for a medical or religious accommodation.
We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration, connection & community as an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace. A majority of our office-based employees will be able to work remotely for up to two days each week. Additionally, employees who are subject to this hybrid model will be eligible to work from anywhere for up to six weeks in a rolling 12-month period (in maximum two-week increments and according to benefits and tax guidelines). Some jobs may be required to be performed fully in office depending on the role’s responsibilities and requirements.
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 HRCompliance@kraftheinz.com for assistance.