Manager, R&D – Packaging Margin Enhancement

Job Description

Job Purpose

The R&D Manager for Packaging Margin Enhancement leads medium-to-high complexity packaging margin enhancement projects and manages a team of packaging developers to deliver productivity and cost optimization across Kraft Heinz North America business units. This role partners directly with BU R&D and cross-functional teams to deliver technically complex high-impact projects that improve packaging performance and profitability. Success requires a blend of technical packaging expertise strong commercialization experience and the ability to coach and develop a high-performing team all while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced matrixed environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Lead medium-to-high complexity packaging productivity projects across all categories and provide technical direction to developers from concept through commercialization

Design and oversee plant-scale packaging tests and guide developers in data analysis conclusions documentation and results communication

Translate R&D findings into quantifiable business opportunities and present recommendations to cross-functional and BU leadership

Partner with suppliers plants co-manufacturers and internal technical experts to evaluate and implement packaging technologies and materials

Ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and embedded into specifications delivering consistent consumer-ready products

Serve as a primary R&D point of contact for BU R&D Leads maintaining regular transparent communication on project status and risks

Support cross-functional teams (Marketing Supply Chain Procurement Operations) to drive speed-to-market on packaging initiatives

Own project timelines risk assessments issue escalation and contingency planning across a portfolio of concurrent initiatives

Manage team budgets and resource allocation to ensure delivery of in-year and pipeline projects

Guide developers through project commercialization activities with strong technical rigor ensuring statistical tools technical excellence methods and documentation best practices are consistently applied.

Lead coach and develop a team of junior packaging developers through structured development plans workload balancing and performance feedback

Elevate team capability through training stretch assignments and external industry networking

Foster a culture of inclusion sustainability continuous learning and owner-mentality

Expected Experience & Required Skills

Bachelors degree in Packaging Engineering Materials Science Chemical Engineering or a related field required; Masters degree preferred.

6 years of experience in CPG packaging R&D with demonstrated progression in technical and leadership scope

Proven track record of leading packaging commercialization projects end-to-end with high autonomy

Experience managing or mentoring direct reports with strong coaching and development skills

Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DoE) and data-driven decision-making

Strong understanding of packaging materials structures and their interactions with food products

Exceptional project management skills and able to manage competing priorities across a complex stakeholder network

High learning agility with the ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic ambiguous environment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence without authority

Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically (U.S. and Canada) including visits to internal plants co-manufacturers and suppliers

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Normal office environment with limited travel or visits to external locations; offices are open workspaces Additionally this role requires in office presence at least three days per week in compliance with hybrid work schedule.

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include but not limited to

Lift up to 30 lbs navigate lab storage and manufacturing environments.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the 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:

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 candidates 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 savingfor the future we offer plans tailored to meet you and your familys needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical social emotional and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Youll 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 401kLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment Disability

Location(s)

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 for assistance.