Principal Scientist, Sliced CheeseTechnical Category Manager
Come grow your R&D career at KHC with this exciting opportunity to join the Process Cheese team! This R&D Principal Scientist role will manage Process Cheese categories and brands and build strong technical and consumer focus to drive our core business across North America within the Meat, Cheese, Coffee, and Snacking Business UnitThis role interfaces directly with the business and offers the ability to lead technically challenging projects and initiatives focused on growth, productivity, and brand maintenanceSuccess in the role requires cross-functional leadership, strategic influence, problem solving, end-to-end understanding of product development, and prioritization to drive multiple projects simultaneouslySuccessful candidate will have a technical background in food science/engineering, demonstratedcross-functional leadership and communication capabilities, strength in the commercialization process, proven ability to design product testing at plant scale, a growth mindset, and powerful teamwork skillsIf you’re looking to bring your leadership to a team that is technical and passionate about all things cheese, this is the place for you!
This role will be based out of the Glenview, IL Kraft Heinz Innovation Center and will require travel approximately 30% of the time.
Responsibilities
Lead technical development and delivery of strategic 3YP for Sliced cheese categories, including growth, productivity, and maintenance
Operate from technical seat as a holistic business partner, connecting business needs to technical solutions and strategy, translating research findings into substantial business opportunities, and building strategic execution plans with cross-functional teams
Work directly with cross-functional teams, plants, and suppliers as the R&D category manager to manage projects and direct developers across all projects in the category
Run technical timelines, provide clear and timely communication, complete risk assessments, raise issues, and develop contingency plans demonstrating strong project management skills
Operate with agility and drive for results with big picture context to ensure speed to market with right first time execution
Communicate regularly with the R&D and cross-functional leadership teams
Lead budgets and dotted line resources for projects and initiatives within the category
Design and implement tests, analyze data, draw conclusions, document findings, present results, and commercialize products
Interface with all related technical experts and internal category scientists to understand technologies and applications
Elevate the competence and know-how of junior developers through training, coaching, and external networking
Collaborate with teams to understand and ensure product quality and food safety requirements are defined and delivered through the completion of raw material, finished product and quality specifications that deliver consistent, high-quality products
Adopt a culture of diversity & inclusion, sustainability, learning, and working like an owner
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree – Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related fieldplus a minimum of 6 years of product 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
Ability to lead, coach, develop, and inspire others while driving engagement within the team
Strong experience in R&D commercialization with a high degree of autonomy
Experience intranslating consumer testing results into product development strategy and execution
Strong learning agility and ability to think on the fly
Ability to work effectively in a team environment, managing a complex network of stakeholders
Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality
Self-motivated problem solver and critical thinker with the drive to deliver objectives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to prioritize work for self and others
Experience across a broad range of cheese and dairy ingredients, formulations, and manufacturing processes desired but not a prerequisite
Understanding of Design of Experiments
Excellent verbal and written communication
Excellent influencing skills
Willingness to travel 30% pending business needs. Travel could include (but not limited to): within United States and Canada to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers
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.
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!
