Principal Scientist, Product Development - Limited Assortment
- The Kraft Heinz Company
- Glenview, Illinois
- Full Time
Principal Sci, R&D P roduct Development Limited Assortment
Are you passionate about packaging innovation and ready to make a significant impact on iconic brands? Join the dynamic and cross-functional team at Kraft Heinz Research & Development as a Packaging Scientist! We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead packaging development projects across our Platforms, working with renowned brands like Oscar Mayer, Kraft, Capri Sun , Kool Aid, and Heinz .
This is a Research and Development Manager role focused on Limited Assortment Channel , leading Innovation for the KHC portfolio . The role is responsible for delivery of business unit NSV, CMA, and EBITDA through leadership of activities for Innovation and strategic initiativesincluding those designed specifically for the Limited Assortment channel (Club, Dollar, Value and Convenience) . This individual interfaces extensively with key stakeholders of all levels of leadership and across multiple functions including R&D, Quality, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and all functions within the Supply Chain team (Procurement, Manufacturing, and Customer Service & Logistics). Additionally, this role will be responsible for providing technical leadership across all phases of projects, including right-sized, simplified innovations tailored for club, convenience, and dollar/value retail environments. A growth mindset is essential for this role.
Responsibilities
This position offers the candidate an excellent opportunity to identify , drive, and lead innovative and packaging technology initiatives that will be instrumental in delivering novel, competitively and cost-advantaged solutions across the Kraft Heinz portfolioincluding packaging tailored for Limited Assortment environments where simplicity, speed, and shelf efficiency are critical.
Create and drive R&D-led strategies that accelerate the Limited Assortment Innovation Pipeline and bring ideas to life including gauging feasibility, developing prototypes, identifying manufacturing processes/locations for our technically challenging projects .
Deliver the strategic plans for the category across Growth, with an emphasis on channel-fit innovation, reformats, and pack/price adaptations.
ssist in scoping and facilitating business opportunities, especially those requiring speed to market, minimal complexity, or cost-optimized solutions.
Participate in Stage Gate meetings, providing R&D input with attention to channel constraints and operational feasibility for Limited Assortment retail.
Work directly with the business units, cross-functional teams, plants, and suppliers as the R&D category manager to manage projects and direct developers.
Manage the resources and budget for the category, including initiatives focused on renovation or reapplication for channel-specific formats.
Collaborate with teams to understand and ensure product quality and food safety requirements are defined and delivered through the completion of raw material, finished product, and quality specifications that deliver consistent, high-quality products adapted for a range of formats and retail environments.
Qualifications :
Bachelors Degree ( Masters is a plus) - Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
6+ years of experience in the food industry preferred
Demonstrated people leadership and strong ability to build effective teams
Growth mindset
C hallenge self and others to see and apply new insights
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
Excellent influencing skills
Willingness to travel 20% 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 .
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 - $127,600.00Bonus: 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 familys 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.
Youll 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 CenterKraft 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.