Kraft Heinz

Sr. Scientist, R&D - Packaging Compliance & Strategy Reporting

Kraft Heinz  •  $90k - $112k/yr  •  Glenview, IL (Remote)  •  2 months ago
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Job Description

Job Purpose

As the Senior Scientist for Packaging Compliance &StrategyReportsupporting sustainability reporting and strategy execution, you will lead the planning, coordination, and technical delivery of annual packaging sustainability reporting obligations and related data governance. Success in this role is defined byaccurate, on-time reporting, strong data quality and traceability, and clear cross-functional execution of reporting plans and ongoing strategy support.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

  • Serve as the packaging technical lead for EPR, source reduction, and eco-modulationreadiness, along with other types of packaging specificcompliance reportingsuch as Minimum Recycled Content and Canada Plastics Registry—providing technicalstrategy,interpretation, alignment to external standards, and guidance to reporting owners.

  • Ensure reporting-relevant packaging specifications areaccurateand complete byidentifyingdata gaps, translating needed changes to the specification team, and coordinating closure with BU R&D, ESG/Procurement, suppliers, and data management.

  • Validate portfolio classification and compliance inputs (e.g.,covered material category-CMC assignments) and confirm alignment with internal governance partners and applicable external standards (e.g., APR).

  • Partner with BU R&D and the Packaging Lab tovalidatehigh-impact packaging components/SKUs and document required corrections to support compliant reporting.

  • Support verification/audit readiness by reviewing technical assumptions and calculation inputs, resolving issues, and ensuring consistentmethodologyapplication

  • Assess and document which projects/SKUs qualify for source reduction pathways and eco-modulation bonus/malus criteria; define evidence requirements and technical rationale.

  • Compile andmaintaintechnical substantiation packages for source reduction and eco-modulation (change summaries, material attributes, recyclability/qualification evidence) in collaboration with BU partners.

  • Lead the technicalportionof submission readiness for source reduction and eco-modulation, including issue resolution, technicalsign-offs, and stakeholder alignment (while reporting teams execute the final data submission).

  • Develop andmaintainenabling tools and guidance (e.g., eco-modulation decision tree, impact estimation tool) andestablishtracking inputs/processes to improve future-cycle performance.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

  • EPR reporting technical readiness package:

  • Identifiedspecification gaps and closure plan (by BU/category/SKU prioritization)

  • Updated/confirmed CMC assignments with supporting rationale aligned to external standards (e.g., APR)

  • Documented specification validation outcomes (including Packaging Lab validation summary where applicable)

  • Audit/verification support artifacts:

  • Technical inputs to reportingmethodologyand calculation assumptions

  • Issue log and resolution documentation supporting verification

  • Source reductionPlan:

  • Source Reduction strategyplanand tracking process

  • List of qualifying projects/SKUs mapped to applicable pathway(s)to meet strategy/plan, aligned with BU stakeholders

  • Substantiation dossier(s) compiled with BU R&D/ESG/Procurement (evidence, change summaries, technical justification)

  • Technical sign-off package supporting submission readiness

  • Eco-modulation:

  • Eco-Modulationprioritized list of qualifying projects/SKUs and applicable bonus/malus criteriaand impact estimates

  • Substantiation dossier(s) for eco-modulation qualification

  • Eco-modulation criteria guidance / decision tree for packaging strategy use

  • Technical sign-off package supporting submission readiness

  • PCR reporting (draft pending your clarification):

  • Validated PCR report accuracy summary (with BU R&D/Packaging Lab inputs)

  • Technical issue log and corrections recommended prior to submission

  • Substantiation dossier(s) compiled with BU R&D/ESG/Procurement (evidence, change summaries, technical justification)

  • Technical sign-off package supporting submission readiness

Expected Experience & Required Skills

  • BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred or related discipline.

  • 4+ years of R&D development and commercialization experience in packaging and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred).

  • Demonstrated experience supporting R&Dspecificationdevelopment and commercialization work

  • Generalknowledge of packagingmaterials (flexible films, rigid packaging, fiber, glass, metal,etc.) andpackagingmanufacturingconverting processes

  • Working knowledge of project execution practices (e.g., timelines, risk identification, stakeholder updates) and ability to manage assigned deliverables.

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with cross-functional partners and external suppliers.

  • Knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions, material/package industrystandards, regulations(as applicable to rigid packaging development work)and Life Cycle Assessment.

  • Willingness and ability to travel 5-10% 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 (Chicago, IL).

Physical Requirements

Physical demandsinclude but notlimited to

  • Regular office work

  • Physical presence at labs and manufacturing sites (internal and external) to perform experimental and validation testing

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:

$89,800.00 - $112,200.00

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.

Kraft Heinz

About Kraft Heinz

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!

Industry
Food & Beverage
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Year Founded
2015
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