Kraft Heinz’s newly established Design function is shaping the next chapter of our iconic brands. By bringing together consumer-led visual systems, innovation, and distinctive brand experiences, we are creating new ways for our brands to connect, resonate, and grow. The Design team defines brand vision, builds powerful narratives, and, in close partnership with cross-functional partners, unites insight, strategy, creativity, and operational excellence to turn bold ideas into culturally relevant expressions that amplify our connection to consumers and culture.
Reporting to the Chief Design Officer, the Associate Design Director, Brand Experiences, plays a critical role in shaping how Kraft Heinz brands come to life in the world. This role leads Brand Experiences for North America, influencing business and brand strategy, championing breakthrough creative, and helping define new ways for Kraft Heinz brands to build lasting emotional connections with consumers.
Spanning partnership platforms, including sport and entertainment, as well as commercial channels such as Food Service, this role helps redefine what brand activation means at Kraft Heinz through experiences that are culturally relevant, strategically grounded, and distinctive in market. Operating from vision through execution, this leader translates ideas into impactful consumer and customer experiences across the business, brings clarity to complexity, and inspires bold thinking across teams and partners.
Key Components of the Role
Leading the development and execution of Brand Experiences strategies for prioritized brands, strengthening brand equity and driving growth across North America
Defining long-term brand strategies, narratives, and positioning that create differentiation, memorability, and cultural relevance in market
Designing and delivering experiential marketing activations, events, and toolkits for prioritized brands across partnership platforms, including sport and entertainment, and commercial channels such as Food Service
Partnering with marketing to translate strategic plans into clear Brand Experience priorities, creative briefs, and actionable roadmaps
Leading the creative process from concept through execution, identifying the strongest creative territories and big ideas for each brand
Leading cross-functional collaboration across brand partners, marketing excellence, consumer insights, sales, finance, freelancers, and external agencies to bring ideas to life
Delivering high-quality creative work and activations on time and within budget
Leading presentations and discussions with business unit and marketing senior leadership, advocating for bold and breakthrough ideas across the organization
Building a deep understanding of consumer and customer needs, and using those insights to shape Brand Experience strategy and execution
Qualifications
Deep passion for the intersection of brand building, culture, and consumer connection, with a strong instinct for translating ideas into impactful brand experiences that drive business results
Proven success leading end-to-end design programs, from strategic definition through execution
Strong creative judgment, with the confidence to challenge convention and advocate for bold, innovative ideas
Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and focus teams on the highest-impact opportunities
Excellent communication, influence, and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams and agency partners
Resilience, agility, and strong organizational discipline in fast-paced environments, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field; advanced study in brand strategy, experiential design, or a related discipline is a plus
10+ years of progressive experience in brand experience design, activation design, or related creative leadership roles, ideally within FMCG, lifestyle brands, or leading creative agencies
Chicago/Aon 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!
