Job Description
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 engineeringinitiatives. In 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 solutions. The role includes identifying material/polymer/packaging technology solutions and research pathways, leading proof of conceptandtechnology scale up, andenablingseamless transition oftechnologies to the business units.The 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
Directtheteam tobuild andexecute research plans,includingtechnicaldocumentation, prototyping, lab testing, qualification on pilot and/or production equipment at vendor or at Kraft Heinz
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
People Management Responsibilities
Key Outputs & Deliverables
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.
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.
Expected Experience& Required Skills
Demonstrated experience managingend-to-enddevelopmentprojects,identifying and drivingpackagingtechnologyinitiatives,leading strongexternal partnershiprelationshipsand coordinating cross-functional teams.
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.
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
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.
