General information

All posting locations: Glenview, Illinois, United States of America

Job Function: 10 - R&D

Date Published: 08-Sep-2023

Ref #: R-74471

Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

Description & Requirements

This is a Center R&D technical leadership role driving the identification of process technology projects and platforms and the feasibility evaluation & scale-up of said technology across any of our North American businesses.  The candidate will be identifying- scoping and/or driving technical projects to meet strategic business initiatives- as well as coaching junior developers leading technical projects.  This candidate should have a proven record of process development as well as executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of settings.  This includes understanding business needs- designing and executing tests- improving operational efficiency- analyzing data- drawing conclusions- documenting and communicating results- and commercializing new technology.  Proven communication- leadership and teamwork skills are essential in this role- which operates in a cross-functional environment with global connectivity. The candidate must have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate a high degree of autonomy. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.  They must use their technical knowledge to develop and coach others through product and process development projects.

Key Components of the role

  • Work with cross functional teams- seeking and navigating ambiguous data sets to find areas of opportunity and then lead the identification- scoping and development of process technology solutions leveraging resources across R&D- external partners and/or operations
  • Experience in processing across multiple product categories or have significant technical depth in a key process technology area.
  • Identify meaningful business opportunities through operations connections and engage cross-functional leaders and teams to drive project execution
  • Lead/Drive feasibility and scale-up of process advancements and/or novel technology with cross-functional team members
  • Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products and work with a high degree of autonomy
  • Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
  • Support and drive development of short- mid and long term technology strategy and roadmap.
  • Mentor and coach developers in process development across R&D
  • Utilize technical expertise to influence cross-functional decisions
  • Document technical requirements through creation of process design scopes and product specifications
  • Leverage strong knowledge of capital equipment process to coach others

Qualifications:

  • BS/MS/PhD in Engineering- Food- Dairy- Meat- or Animal Science
  • Minimum 5+ years in a Technical Function (which can include all graduate and/or internship work)
  • Expert understanding of food (can be specific to Meat- Dairy- Coffee- Nuts- Potatoes- etc.) chemistry- analytical testing- formulations used in food manufacturing
  • Expert understanding of food operations and equipment used in food manufacturing
  • Expert understanding of key subject matter in areas such as fermentation engineering- separation- data analytics- product processing and interrelationship of ingredients- process- and packaging
  • Excellent- proven communication- influencing- project/platform management and problem solving skills
  • Strong understanding of Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement principles & tools (e.g. design of experiments)
  • Strong ability to lead- coach and motivate others
  • Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to prioritize work for self and others.
  • Willingness to travel 30%

#LI-Hybrid

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.

Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment

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 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 NATAI@kraftheinz.com.