Manager, R&D – Packaging Dev

  • All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US
  • Job Functions: Research & Development
  • Date Published: May 15, 2025
  • Ref#: R-92987
  • Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

Apply

An office with Kraft Heinz product images on the wall
a 4 pack of raspberry jell-o

About the Role

Job Description

Manager, R&D – Packaging Development 

 

Job Description 

This is a Research and Development (R&D) Packaging managerial and technical role, responsible for the North American Coffee and Yellow Cheese categories within the MCCS business unit. Directly lead developers and potentially contractors. This candidate should have a proven record of developing as well as executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of settings. Proven communication, teamwork, and people development skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic and cross-functional environment. The candidate will be responsible for packaging development to meet business initiatives focused on Growth, Brand Maintenance and Value Engineering. The candidate must also have a technical background to lead/execute packaging projects and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This position requires an individual to manage multiple tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance.  Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must. 

 

Key Components of the role  

  • Directly lead a team of Packaging developers and potentially contractors 

  • Deliver the in-year, Y+1, and longer-term Innovation and Renovation for the BU Growth Plan 

  • Deliver the in-year and pipeline Productivity specific to Coffee Packaging 

  • Partner with the Packaging ESG and Technology team to establish programs for the Corporate ESG goal of having 100% of packaging being recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025 

  • Independently lead packaging development and commercialization of material and packaging systems to deliver against short- and long-term business objectives 

  • Manage technical timelines, provide timely communication, raise issues and risks, and develop contingency plans leveraging strong project management skills 

  • Responsible for identifying, defining, and solving technical packaging challenges 

  • Collaborate and partner with suppliers to identify new technology opportunities, optimizing the utilization of Kraft Heinz and supplier resources and tools 

  • Elevate the competence and expertise of junior developers through training, coaching, and external networking 

  • Management of junior staff including creation of development plans, building teamwork, and balancing of workload 

  • Strategic project influence in collaboration with OPS and marketing 

  • Help plan and execute budget needs for technical and capital execution 

  • Be consumer driven and elevate Innovative Packaging to help solve consumer pain points 

  • Self-motivating with a sense of urgency to prioritize against Kraft Heinz’s overall strategic path, both within the role and from a broader company delivery 

  • Understand and be fluent in day-to-day routines and systems for commercialization 

 

Qualifications 

  • BS, MS, or PhD required; Discipline in Packaging, Materials Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred 

  • Minimum of 6+ years packaging development in the food or consumer products industry 

  • Proven ability to lead and execute technically complex packaging projects 

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

  • Ability to lead, coach and motivate others 

  • Independently manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize 

  • Strong understanding of Design of Experiments 

  • Willingness to travel up to 30% 

 

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:

$102,100.00 – $127,600.00

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 – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

Digital at Kraft Heinz

The
Builders

Our Digital team empowers every aspect of our business.

Discovering what’s next in food using Python, Azure ML and Alteryx. Building and designing apps. Improving our supply chain.

We’re bringing agility to beloved brands across the globe — making life delicious for our customers and communities, today and tomorrow.

A group of people sitting around a laptop
a jar of Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter

HR at Kraft Heinz

The
Facilitators

People are what makes Kraft Heinz great. Today. And tomorrow.

In Human Resources, we’re finding and developing great talent to continue our legacy. We’re here for every colleague, for their performance and their wellbeing.

Together, we’re helping everyone to grow their own way.

A woman is talking to another woman at an event.
a jar of Heinz Garlic Sauce

Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz

The
Makers

Our Manufacturing team is a fully-integrated end-to-end supply chain. We’re the backbone of Kraft Heinz. The people behind the products, delivering the highest quality and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturing veteran or new to the world of plants, there’s tons of opportunity for career growth and development.

NEED ALT
a squeeze bottle of Wattie's Steak Sauce

Marketing at Kraft Heinz

The
Strategizers

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

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.

A group of people sitting around a table with a laptop.
a package of Maxwell House Vanilla Iced Latte foam

R&D at Kraft Heinz

The
Creators

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.

NEED ALT
a box of Delimex Chicken Taquitos

Sales at Kraft Heinz

The
Connectors

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

We thrive wherever consumers can meet iconic and innovative brands — in retail, on-trade, and B2B. We’re the closest people to our customers, getting our products to the right people, in the right places.

Man smiling and sitting at a table
a package of Heinz by Nature tomato mozarella pasta
Collage of Traci

Hear from
our people

“Kraft Heinz doesn’t just talk about their values, they live it every day.”

Traci
Senior Customer Sales Manager

Collage of photos of Michael

Hear from
our people

“The best is yet to come at Kraft Heinz. I’ve experienced the launch of a new purpose, new vision and values. Now I’m seeing all of those things truly take shape and that is very exciting.”

Michael
Associate Director Pension

Headshot of Manetta

Hear from
our people

“The best thing about working at Kraft Heinz are the benefits and opportunities for growth and career development.”

Manetta
Talent acquisition Specialist

A group of people standing in front of a wall of photos of Kraft Heinz brand products.

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.

An office with Kraft Heinz product images on the wall