Head of Quality Innovation and Design

Job Description

The Innovation & Design Quality Director will provide Quality direction and build collaborative relationships with Marketing and Sales Business units, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain Away From Home (AFH/KHI) business unit, so that Quality Assurance better protects the Quality of the products End to End (E2E) through the Innovation funnel, into supply chain and into trade.
 

The role will apply Quality Functional knowledge with its team, to ensure the risk to the Product Launch is eliminated, and the Brand learnings of consumer behavior are integrated.  Additionally, this role will educate stakeholders on what it is that Quality Assurance does and how QA assures product quality in the business through design, and will, together with the Brand, monitor and improve key consumer performance metrics that will help to grow the business. 
 

The director will set the quality strategy for execution on Innovation as well as Market & Brand quality and implement routines and systems. Be the direct contact for quality problem notification and resolution to the Brands and from the Brands as they are in trade. Drive change in the use of Consumer measurable date such as consumer complaint reviews, Consumer Praise, market insights, etc. with the R&D Teams ensuring that when changing consumer behavior or expectations occur, they are translated into revised quality requirements.    

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the strategy for Innovation Quality in all aspects of the business; including in the retail and AFH/KHI business in alignment with other Corporate Functions and Corporate Quality across all factories and Innovations.

• Develop and lead the Quality design and Commercialization tactical plan for Quality in partnership with R&D.

• Lead and develop talent and skills in the organization in achieving results in all stages and gates in the End-to-End Commercialization Process.

• Lead the Innovation activities for top netting innovations and ensure pre and post launch success.

• Learn the industry specialized tools in Quality by Design; FMEA, pFMEA, Technical Risk Assessments, Commercial Risk Assessments, and QRMP leveraging the PLM Star and pNow systems.

• Applies and disseminates expert knowledge of Packaging and Product formulations in concert with Quality tools to achieve the highest level of quality through the innovation funnels, in new products or pilots/changes to the existing portfolio.

• Achieves results through managing others in the field and builds capability in the organization to effectively and completely conduct innovations with quality in the different BUs through a team of innovation Quality experts in the field, EMs or factories (Supply Chain Development Teams)

• Establish the method and means to track performance and develop objective goals in market and through Innovation, including digitalizing for ultimate results visibility.

• Actively participate in the Innovation process (concept/design, development, and first production and distribution phases of product launches via "Right First Time" stage gate meetings) or Brand-specific commercialization processes to ensure a successful launch. Work cross-functionally with the Contract manufacturing Group, Plants, Engineering, Marketing and R&D/PTC to ensure that appropriate product quality requirements are established and implemented before reaching the sites.

• Lead the risk assessment of design, not just for the Supply Chain, but for the entire business whenever an Innovation, Cost Savings, or major Project is undertaken.

• Participate in product line reviews and FP (TAMU) standards management, Consumer Relevant Quality Standards, or Brand aligned acceptable quality limits.

• Leads the effort in Consumer Complaint Reductions and/or optimization Cross-Functionally

• Learn and understand the Brand's mission, values and consumer requirements; in collaboration with the Brand, build the quality design and execution into the Brand.
   

Qualifications and requirements:

• BS/MS in Science or Engineering (Chemistry, Pharmacy or Food Technology preferred) or equivalent through experience and additional training.  Additional formal training in Quality Management a plus.

• R&D Prior Experience would also be Preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Innovation Management positions, preferable in Quality Assurance, within the Consumer Goods industry (including Cosmetics, Packaged Goods, Food or Pharmaceuticals.)

• Experienced in the use of quality tools with a sound statistical base: Quality Management systems, process mapping, tooling qualification, FMEA and others.  Knowledge of packaging manufacturing processes is a plus.

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:

$184,800.00 – $231,000.00

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

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.

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)

Chicago/Aon Center, 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.