Job Description

Job Purpose

​​The Sensory Capabilities Lab Managerserves as a technical lead for sensory science within the North American Zone. This roleprovidesexpert sensory guidance, fostering a collaborative environmentwherescientific data drives product excellence. As a leader in the SensoryCoE, you will focus on growing and mentoring a talented team of sensory support staff. Your goal is to provide the R&D organization with onsite sensory testing capabilities to deliver descriptive analysis, discrimination testing and internal employee evaluations thatleverageboth executionalexpertiseand digital tools to ensure our products are consistently best-in-class.​

EssentialFunctions &Responsibilities

• ​​Team Development & Sensory Support Leadership

• ​Lead the growth and professional development of the sensory support team. Provide advanced technical mentorship to sensory technicians and associate scientists—coaching with methodological design, protocol execution, data hygiene, and LIMS useSupport hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management as the organization scales.

• ​Foster a team environment rooted in cross-functional partnership, ensuring the sensory team is seen as an accessible and vital resource for the broader R&D community. Act as the primary liaison between executive leadership and the Sensory lab team to ensure team feelstrongsense of belonging and haveclearunderstanding of how theyimpacthigh level company goals.

• ​Provide thoughtful management of sensory lab resources and budgets, ensuring the team has the necessary tools to provide high-quality panel execution and align lab capacity with business prioritiesSet clear expectations and ensure accountability across projects.

• ​Panel Management & Executional Excellence

• ​Own planning,timelinesand execution across a high volume of simultaneous initiatives supporting Sensory testing and Cooking Validation for the NA zone. Partner with Sr, Sensory Manager to ensure excellence in serving protocols and datamanagementincluding day-to-day execution oversight to ensure consistent, high-quality data collection.

• ​Act as the primary consultant to R&D project teams on experimental design, panel selection criteria, serving protocols and data quality controls to ensure scientific integrity and reproducibility.

• ​Facilitate the adoption of best practices in sensory science across thezoneLead technical reviews of sensory methodologies, recommending methodological improvements and ensuring alignment with industry best practices and the Global Sensory Excellence networkImplement and enforce standard operating procedures for panel operations, including protocols for blinding, sample handling, and FSQ product release control.

• ​Data systems, analytics workflow & digital integration

• ​Lead technical implementation and day-to-day use of sensory LIMS and digital tools (e.g.,RedJadeor similar) to capture, manage and protect sensory data.

• ​Partner with internal IT and external sensory software providers tomaintainagile, secure data collection capabilities and to adapt digital solutions for new sensory methodologies.

• ​Optimizedata management practices tofacilitatedigital integration: data capture, version control, metadata standards, and collaboration with the analysis teams.

• ​Facility and Budget Management

• ​Own budgetary control for the sensory team: process POs, approvals and receiving;monitormonthly variance from plan and communicate with R&D finance.

• ​Work closely with sensory support team and internal facilities tomaintainlab spaces, equipment and supplies to meet the testing needs of the team in the Sensory Evaluation Centers in Glenview, Il and Warrendale, PA and Cooking Validation Lab in Warrendale, PA.

• ​Represent the North AmericanCoEwithin the Global Sensory Excellence network, contributing to a global community of practice and staying informed on emerging sensory trends and technologies that will improve executional efficiency.

• ​Manage vendor relationships for software, equipment, and panel services; negotiate and evaluate technical performance of external partners.​

Expected Experience& Required Skills

• ​​MinimumBS in Food Science or Physical Science. MS in Sensory Science isplusto support the technical mentorship requirements of the role.

• ​6+ years of dedicated experience in Sensory Science, Sensory Research or Consumer Research within an FMCG/CPG environment (Food & Beverage preferred).

• ​Proven experience managing lab operations, budgets, vendorrelationshipsand coordinating with IT and external partners.

• ​A proven ability to grow, mentor, and inspire technical teams while fostering a collaborative team spirit.

• ​Exceptional communication skills with a focus on translating operationalobjectivesinto technical action plans to deliver results.

• ​Demonstrated technicalproficiencywith sensory methodologies (specifically QDA) and with sensory LIMS/tools such asRedJadeor equivalent integration with digital tools

• ​Possess the ability to influence and guide others throughexpertiseand partnership rather thanmandate;a "people-first" approach to leading technical teams.

• ​Have a proactive mindset focused on evolving processes and adoptingnew technologies The ability to lead a team through transitions,such as digital integration ormethodologyshifts,whilemaintaininghigh morale and operational excellence.

• ​Ability to see the "big picture" and ensure sensory executional activities are aligned with the long-term goals of the R&D organization.

• ​A steadfast commitment to providing exceptional executional accuracy, that the organization can rely on for critical product and business decisions.

• ​Exceptional skills in working with internal R&D teams and external partners​

Work Environment & Schedule

This positionoperatesprimarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Centerlocatedin 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 (Chicago, IL).

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)

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.