Sr Mgr, R&D – Tech Packaging

Packaging Design Sr. Manager, R&D – ESG/TECH Packaging  

Our Company     

• The Kraft Heinz Company is revolutionizing the food industry – we will be the most profitable food company powered by the most talented people with unwavering commitment to our communities, leading brands and highest product quality in every category in which we compete. As a global food and beverage powerhouse, Kraft Heinz represents over $29 billion in revenue and is the 3rd largest food and beverage company in North America and 5th largest in the world. At Kraft Heinz, to be the BEST food company, growing a BETTER world is more than a dream – it is our GLOBAL VISION.  To be the best, we want the best – best brands, best practices and, most importantly, the best people. 

Owners Only!    

• This is a role for someone who craves a global challenge balanced by the desire to be accountable for delivering against the model across the Kraft Heinz enterprise.  It is both a strategic and a tactical position.  Those that do not want to get their hands dirty or build out a function against a blank slate without buying pre-packaged solutions should not apply.   

Role / Title  

• 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 design initiatives that will be instrumental in delivering novel, competitively advantaged solutions across the Kraft Heinz portfolio.  

• The role includes development of packaging Design strategy – translating brand strategy & consumer JTBD to competitively advantage KHC to drive growth – influencing packaging strategic direction, while influencing KHC leadership 

• This individual will establish capabilities to develop, prototype, consumer test and pilot novel pkg design solutions 

• This individual will lead the team to build platformable pkg innovation solutions, identifying modular, platformable designs across brands and categories to fuel sustainable BU innovation pipelines 

Key Components of the role  

• This position requires an individual to manage, guide and manage individuals, with direct or indirect reporting structure, including project prioritization, professional development, career plans, performance appraisals. Motivating, influencing and inspiring others. 

• Develop Packaging Design strategies and plans to deliver against short and long term business objectives in the retail and foodservice businesses.  Gain alignment across key functions and prioritize initiatives and resources appropriately. 

• Develop strategic packaging design requirements across NA categories 

• Work directly, interface and influence cross-functional team (Marketing, Procurement, Operations and Supply Chain) and vendors. 

• Work across enterprise (mentor and/or teacher) to expand capabilities of developers in area(s) of expertise – Design and Innovation 

• Will lead efforts to prioritize external design agencies, managing relationships with suppliers and design and innovation partners to drive pkg disruptive, innovation solutions 

• Manage multiple/large initiatives with complex scopes and/or cross enterprise platforms concurrently  

• Have a high degree of autonomy 

• Accountable for packaging design pipeline across NA portfolio  

Qualifications: 

• This individual must have expert understanding of packaging design and innovation and ability to coach others in these areas 

• Strong packaging design and innovation skills and expertise and be able to link innovative packaging solutions to numerous applications 

• Industrial design experience for packaging materials, shapes, formats, with proven examples of commercialized innovations across different packaging formats 

• Must demonstrate intellectual curiosity, problem solving, leadership, championing ideas, and project management skills.   

• Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must. 

• Skilled at translating consumer insights, consumer Jobs-to-be-done, and market trends into packaging design strategies  

• BS/MS/PhD in Packaging, engineering, industrial design or related field 

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in Packaging Development and Design, with commercialization examples  

• 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 externally   

• Willingness to travel 30% 

EEO Statement  

Kraft Heinz Company, Inc. is an equal employment employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans, and disabled individuals. As an equal opportunity employer, Kraft Heinz Company, Inc. is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact 847 646-6044 for assistance.