Manager R&D,Taste ElevationBusiness Continuity
The R&D Manager,Taste Elevation(TE),Business Continuityleads product developmentin the sauces and condiments space across current portfolio ofTEbrands (e.g., Heinz, Kraft, Miracle Whip,etc.)while managing and developing a team of product developers supportingprimarilybrand maintenanceinitiativesThis roleis responsible fortranslating business needs, supply-and regulatory requirementsinto practical development plans, driving technical execution and ensuring projects progress effectively from concept through commercialization.
This leader is expected tooperateeffectively in a dynamic, cross-functional environment and to balancepeopleleadership with strong technical and project leadership. Success in the role requires sound product development judgment, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and strong collaboration across R&D, operations, quality, regulatory, marketing, and supply chain. The role also requires building team capability, setting clear expectations, and developing talent to meet current and future business needs.
KeyResponsibilities:
• Lead product development across multiple cross-functional projects and product categories within theTaste Elevationbusiness, including brand maintenance, portfolio evolution, and productivityinitiatives
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of product developers, including setting priorities, providing feedback, and building technical and leadership capability across product development and brand maintenance responsibilities
• Translate businessobjectives and regulatory requirementsinto clear development plans and ensure effective execution from concept through commercialization
• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project progress, resolve technical issues, and deliver against business timelines
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization activities across laboratory, pilot plant, and production environments
• Apply strong technical judgment to product, ingredient, process, and formulation challenges and guide the team through problem-solving and decision-making
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and implications clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership
• Manage multiple priorities concurrently and proactively identify tradeoffs, resource constraints, and priority conflicts across initiatives, including planned and unplanned brand maintenance asks
• Build strong ways of working across the team and cross-functional partners to improveexecution, clarity, and accountability
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to learn new categories, technologies, and processing areas in support of business needs
• Ensure high-quality documentation, technical rigor, and strong executional discipline across development work
• Mentor, coach, and collaborate with colleagues within and outside the immediate team to strengthen capability and business results
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degreerequired in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field,plus a minimum of 6 years ofproduct development experience within CPG, food and beverage, or a related industry;or master’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including leading, coaching, and developing technical talent
Strong knowledge of ingredients, product formulation, processing equipment, ingredient interactions, and laboratory test methods
Proven ability to lead product development and commercialization across multiple projects and priorities
Strong communication, influencing, project management, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with changing priorities
Strong technical judgment and ability to design effective experiments, interpret results, and adjust plans as needed
Self-motivated and able to deliver results with a high degree of ownership in a complex environment
Strong ability to prioritize across competing business needs and make sound tradeoff decisions
Willingness to travel up to 30%, including travel to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and other business locations in the United States and Canada
Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered aNormaloffice environment withsometravel or visits to external locations; offices are open workspacesAdditionally, this rolerequires inoffice presence at least three days per week in compliance withhybridwork schedule.
Physical Requirements
Physical demands include but not limited to
· Lift up to 30lbs, navigate lab, storage, and manufacturing environments.
This job description is not designed to cover orcontainall duties or responsibilities that are requiredofthe role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.
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:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
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)
Heinz Innovation 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.
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!
