Senior Scientist, R&D – Product Development (Cheese)

  • All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Research & Development
  • Date Published: November 15, 2024
  • Ref#: R-87909
  • Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

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About the Role

Job Description

Senior Scientist, R&D – Product Development (Cheese)

This is a Sr. Scientist, Processed Cheese Technology role in the Meals & Kits Technical Platform supporting the Lunchables Category. The candidate will be leading and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on growth, productivity, ESG, and brand maintenance. The candidate should have a proven record of successfully leading, executing, and commercializing projects ranging in technical complexity with minimal guidance, and getting results in a variety of challenging and complex settings. The candidate should have experience leading business initiatives while exhibiting a collaborative approach and applying innovative solutions. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic and cross-functional environment.  

 

Responsibilities: 

  • Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives 

  • Commercialization: Deep knowledge of commercialization processes and required activities as the technical/R&D lead. Ability to troubleshoot challenges. 

  • Collaboration: Work with cross functional teams acting as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects 

  • Communication: Provide updates to cross-functional teams; Identify hurdles and propose solutions 

  • Translate research findings into meaningful business objectives  

  • Champion an innovation approach and exhibit influence on the cross functional partners 

  • Mentor, coach and collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team 

  • Demonstrate the ability to develop relationships with and coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities. 

  • Lead and complete product testing, qualification, and commercialization in laboratory and production environments 

  • Assist in scoping and facilitating business opportunities 

 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree (Masters is a plus) – Food Science, Dairy Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering 

  • 4+ years Product Development and commercialization experience within a CPG or equivalent 

  • Project management experience, technical expertise, and food science/processing knowledge  

  • Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem solving skills 

  • Highly motivated and able to multi-task varying degrees of complex projects 

  • Willingness/ability to learn new product categories and/or processing areas  

  • Demonstrated ability to influence, manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize work, and solve problems effectively.  

  • Brings an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset 

  • Ability to manage through ambiguity 

  • Strong experience in commercialization  

  • Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality 

  • Self-motivated problem solver and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex, fast-paced environment 

  • Willingness to travel 30% pending business needs. Travel could include (but not limited to): within United States and Canada to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers. 

 

Kraft Heinz is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for the MBA opportunities, regardless of race, religion, faith, creed, age, ethnicity, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Job seekers with disabilities who require accommodation during the recruitment process or would like more details about accessibility should contact: accessibility@kraftheinzcompany.com. 

 

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.

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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.

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