Scientist, Global Disruptive Innovation R&D – Packaging Development

  • All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Research & Development
  • Date Published: December 13, 2024
  • Ref#: R-88421

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About the Role

Job Description

Scientist, Global Disruptive Innovation R&D – Packaging Development 

Are you ready for a challenging and unique type of Packaging R&D role? This position is a Scientist, Packaging Developer on the Global Disruption Innovation R&D team, where the individual will be challenged to immerse themselves with the consumer and develop new innovative food-based solutions. This individual will work with one to three small cross-functional teams (“pods”) where collaboration, trust, and ownership drive the team forward while engaging in the Agile @ Scale framework at Kraft Heinz. 

As a Scientist, you will be a critical part of the Build and In-Market Validation Phases of the project where promising disruptive concepts are brought to life. You will collaborate with the cross-functional Core Pod Team to understand the key design principles and guardrails to incorporate into the product design. Iterative development will begin with scrappy prototypes and benchtop experiments with promising solutions progressing through pilot plant and factory scale-up. While working with the R&D Technical Lead for sprint-to-sprint activities, the Package Developer will have a clear line of ownership and accountability for specific technical workstreams with significant influence over solution development. Success is measured by validating consumer behavior and quantitative metrics across Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability objectives and key results. 

In addition to this Scientist’s technical contributions, they will also support cross-functional aspects of the project in areas related to consumer insights, marketing, and financial viability.  

What's on the menu? 

  • Collaborate with R&D Technical Lead to prioritize package development tasks 

  • Be the packaging “voice” on the team 

  • Elevate the consumer experience thru packaging  

  • Lead execution of all aspects of package development (primary, secondary, tertiary, etc) 

  • Explore and evaluate potential suppliers and development partners 

  • Complete rapid prototyping and iterative solution development that achieve design principles 

  • Simultaneously lead multiple projects with complex scopes, demonstrating exceptional project management skills 

  • Manage technical timelines, communicate effectively, identify & address issues and risks, and develop contingency plans 

  • Innovate within Procurement, Legal, Food Safety and Quality project guardrails 

  • Scale promising solutions for plant trials and product launch 

  • Write detailed specifications to ensure consistent, high-quality products & maintain clear and comprehensive technical documentation. 

  • Embrace Agile ways of working and Agile @ Scale playbook, provide feedback on developing process

Recipe for Success – apply now if this sounds like you! 

  • Desire to learn and apply Agile Ways Of Working 

  • Demonstrated competency within the commercialization process, including multiple aspects of package development:  performance, distribution, & material testing, specification creation & determination, DSA, etc. Experience with multiple packaging formats/technologies preferred. (2+ years) 

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related fields 

  • A solid background in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG)/Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry or a comparable field, with Packaging expertise in a relevant category 

  • Strong drive for results, willingness to experiment, and values progress over perfection 

  • Comfortable operating with high levels of autonomy and complexity 

  • Outstanding prioritization and project management abilities 

  • Willingness to think and do things differently 

  • Growth mindset, model lifelong curiosity and learning 

  • Willingness to take risk 

Experiences Gained in This Role 

  • Agile WOW: Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Sprint frameworks 

  • Cross-functional partnership and collaboration 

  • Iterative solution development with consumer-based experimentation 

  • Creative problem solving and rapid prototype development 

  • Comfortable in being uncomfortable 

 

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:

$75,600.00 – $94,500.00

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)

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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Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

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Our Sales team drives multibillion dollar distribution strategies. And we do this across channels and across the whole world!

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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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