The USTrainee Program- R&D
The Kraft Heinz Trainee Program is designed to grow the future leaders of Kraft Heinz. This program is for high-performing, ambitious, and creative individuals who are ready to lead the future of food andbeverage Throughout the program, Trainees will hone their understanding of our business and industry, collaborate across the business to grow our iconic brands, and learn how to build their own legacy here at Kraft Heinz.
What’son the Menu for the Trainee Program?
The Kraft HeinzR&DTrainee Program is a ten-month leadership development program that includes:
Two-to-four weeks of immersive onboarding to learn the business from end-to-end, build connections with their cohort, and prepare to drive impact throughout the program,
Two 4-month project rotations to bring creative solutions across the business,
One week of leadership development rooted in our WIN leadership principles,
One week of celebration and professional development to support the transition out of the trainee program and into full-time role,
Placement into a full-timeR&Drole upon the completion of the program to continue developing as a leader and growing a robust career at Kraft Heinz.
Throughout the program, Trainees can also expect regular opportunities to meet with our CEO, North America President,North AmericaPresident of R&D, and other senior executives; mentorship from previous trainees and business leadership; collaboration with Trainees from other countries, including UK, Netherlands, and Brazil; and curated learning experiences to help with grow as leaders and as cultural ambassadors of Kraft Heinz.
Our Trainee program will kick off July 12th2027
What DoR&DTrainees Work On?
Trainee projects propel our beloved brands forward—designingand executing product testing to strengthen quality,driving innovation,developingand testing packaging improvements, and advancing ESG priorities while exploring emerging opportunities to win with Gen Z audiences.
R&D Traineescould have exposure to the following areas:
· Design and execution of product testing
· Packaging development and testing
·Advancing processing technology
· Product and packaging innovation
· ESG / nutrition / packaging sustainability
· Portfolio renovation
· Cost & Quality improvement
· Brand maintenance
Recipe for Success
We are looking for candidates who…
Are pursuing aBachelorsdegree withanticipatedgraduation between November 1,2026and June 30, 2027
Are innovative thinkers and problem solvers
Choose greatness by challenging the status quo
Take leadership opportunities to make an impact
Have a passion for our values and the future of our brands
Are able tolead through challenges
Take complex concepts and look for ways to simplify
New Hire Base Salary
80,000 USD Annually
Bonus This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by theplanterms and governing documents.
The compensation offered willtake into accountinternal 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 thefuture,we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will bein accordance withthe 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’llbe able toparticipatein 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 AssistanceProgram ,Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Our Values
Our Trainees are expected to live out the Kraft Heinz values as cultural champions and future leaders at the organization. At Kraft Heinz, our values are:
We are consumer obsessed
We dare to do better every day
We champion great people
We demand diversity
We do the right thing
We own it
The Recruitment Process
Trainee program applications are accepted through October 2, 2026
Step 1: Application and Games-Based Assessment
Step 2: Virtual Interviews with Business Leaders
Step 3: Final On-Site Interview Day at our R&D Facility in Glenview, IL
Where Will Your Journey Take You?
R&DTraineesarebased in Glenview, IL.All Trainees will complete one of their project rotations at a field location (i.e.sales office, manufacturing plant,researchand developmentfacility)Housingis provided to Trainees when they are on their field project rotation
Final Job Placement Locations
Final placementwill be inGlenview, IL at our R&Dfacility withpositions also available atour Warrendale, PA R&D facility
* Upon completion of the trainee program, you will have an opportunity to rank yourpreferences,final placement will be based on business need and your interests.
About Us
Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch.We’reon a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry.A consumerobsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.
Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership,agilityand endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet.We’reproud of wherewe’vebeen – and even more thrilled about wherewe’reheaded – 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 beloved and nostalgic brands. Goodisn'tgood enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins – and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food.
Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, andwe’regrowing something great here atKraftHeinz.
Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment
We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration,connection& communityas an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We alsobelieveproviding a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace.A majority ofour office-based employees will be able to work remotely for up to two days each week. Additionally, employees who are subject to this hybrid model will be eligible to work from anywhere for up to six weeks in a rolling 12-month period (in maximumtwo-week increments and according to benefits and tax guidelines). Some jobs maybe requiredto be performed fully in office depending on the role’s responsibilities and requirements.
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 requirean accommodationtoparticipatein the job application or hiring process should contact NATAI@kraftheinz.com
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
The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. While Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.
We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others.
No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 37,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious!
