Job Description

Job Purpose

​​As theSustainability & Materials Center of Excellence(CoE)Packaging Leader,youwilllead a team of technical expertsresponsible fordeveloping packagingsolutions to serve theNorth American portfolio. Theteam’sobjectiveisto develop materialand formatsolutionsin flexibles, thermoforms and rigid packaging that meet sustainability requirements,while supportinginnovation, compliance andvalue engineeringinitiativesIn this role, youwillbe responsible for the team todevelop andleadtechnical strategiestodelivernovel, functionalandcost competitive solutions.You willpartner with theInnovation, Process andPlatformpackaging teamsas well ascrossfunctional stakeholders to translatetechnicaland sustainabilityrequirements intocommerciallyviable,manufacturable solutionsThe role includes identifying material/polymer/packaging technology solutions and research pathways, leading proof of conceptandtechnology scale up, andenablingseamless transition oftechnologies to the business unitsThe ideal candidate combines deep technical packaging expertise with strongsustainability knowledge andproven experiencemanagingcomplex projects and technical teams​

EssentialFunctions &Responsibilities

• ​​Leadand prioritizea portfolio of complex packagingtechnologystrategies andinitiativesbybalancingtechnology exploration withproof of concept of novel technologies Managecomplex partnerships across the value chaintodemonstratevalue and business case, address technical hurdles, drive speed to market andenable competitive advantage

• ​Build,coordinateand managerelationshipsand partnershipswith suppliers and technology providers(includingresin, coating, material, film manufacturers) andwithuniversities,institutes,start-ups,openinnovationnetworks,andscouting partnersto define research and develop materials to meet specific platform and application needs

• ​Represent Kraft Heinzon critical industrycommitteesand forums,servingas oneexternalvoiceto advancesustainability and technology.

• ​Directtheteam tobuild andexecute research plans,includingtechnicaldocumentation, prototyping, lab testing, qualification on pilot and/or production equipment at vendor or at Kraft Heinz

• ​Support theteamin translatingresearch findings into meaningful recommendations, communicating results and driving decisions and technology adoption

• ​Serveas Subject Matter Expertbyleading and driving functional training and process improvements for the pkg organization

• ​Act as technical expert for junior developers anddirect team toflex onto projects requiringproblem solving

• ​Partnerwithlegal to build robustIP strategies,conduct explorationand helpbuild IP portfolio todrive competitive advantage

• ​Ownproject andportfolio-level budgets, resourcing strategies and capacity planningtoensuredelivery within approved financial guardrails.Developand maintain detailed project plans, schedules, budgets and resource allocationstomonitor progress, assess risk, escalate tradeoffs,and drive corrective actions

• ​Serve as an accountable owner for governance, escalation and go/no-go decisions Representpackaginginsteering forums and influencestakeholders.Provide technical leadership and oversighton packagingreviewstoensuredesign decisions align with enterprise standards, manufacturability, sustainability, and long-term platform strategy

• ​Mentor, coach and trainjunior project team members and contribute to PMO best practices and templates.​

People Management Responsibilities

• Team (salaried):targeting 3direct reports,11total teamresponsibility

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Delivertechnology strategyand prioritizea portfolio of complex packagingtechnology/formatinitiatives,to deliver against sustainability, innovation and value engineering initiatives.

• Lead and deploy a team of packaging technical experts tosuccessfully deliver 20to30 concurrent complex packagingtechnologyprojects annually acrossflexible, rigid and thermoform materials and formats,meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets from concept throughproof of conceptand handover.

• Ensure compliance with evolving sustainability and regulatory requirements for portfolio projects, including:

• Minimizing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees

• Designing packaging solutions that avoid material bans and regulatory risks

• Advancing recyclable,reusable, and compliant packaging formats aligned with enterprise sustainability goalsand legislative requirements

• Deliver packaging designs to Performance-Based Specifications (PBS), ensuring solutions meet defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performanceoutcomes(rather than prescriptive designs)

• Build and sustain a high-performing packaging technical team, with clear capability deployment across the portfolio, improved bench strength, and consistent application of enterprise packaging standards.Manage, coach, mentor and retain employees, including goal-setting,performance management, salary planning and hiring.

• Build succession andupskilling plans for junior talent, maximizing apprenticeship with more senior/experienced team members

Expected Experience& Required Skills

• ​​BS/MS/PhDdegree in Engineering,Materials,Chemicalor PackagingEngineeringpreferredor related discipline.

• ​Minimum of 14 yearsofR&Dtechnology development andcommercialization experience inpackagingand project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred).

• ​Demonstrated experience managingend-to-enddevelopmentprojects,identifying and drivingpackagingtechnologyinitiatives,leading strongexternal partnershiprelationshipsand coordinating cross-functional teams.

• ​Demonstrated experiencein peoplemanagement(up to 5to8 highly skilled technical individuals)

• ​Strong technical knowledge of materials(polymers, plastic components,flexible materials,fiber components,barrier coatings,etc), converting processes (e.g.,cartoning,filling,web handling, labeling, molding), printing,bottle closureand dispensingsystems and manufacturing constraints.

• ​Proven project management/PMO skills; experience with project governance, risk management, budget managementand stakeholder reporting.

• ​Expertknowledge ofdesign of experimentsand Statistics,strongtechnical problem solving

• ​Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills; ability to influence at all levels.

• ​Previous experience leading complex, multisite or global packagingor technologylaunches.

• ​Expert knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions, material/package industry standardsand regulations.

• ​Experience with pilot line setups and scale‑up to industrial production.

• ​Willingness and ability to travelup to 25% of the time​

Work Environment & Schedule

This positionoperatesprimarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center(Glenview,IL)

Physicaldemandsinclude but not limited to

• ​​Regular officework

• ​Physical presence atlabs andmanufacturing sites(internal and external)to performexperimental and validation testing​

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:

$164,200.00 - $205,200.00

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.