Head of Technical University

Job Description

Hybrid Position 3 days/week in Chicago (AON CENTER)

The Associate Director Supply Chain Technical University is responsible for designing and leading the companys supply chain technical learning ecosystem to develop world-class skilled trades and technical professionals. This leader will build a scalable Technical University that develops capabilities across maintenance operations quality engineering and skilled trades while creating clear career pathways that attract develop and retain talent.

This role will partner closely with Operations leadership HR COEs functions and external education partners to ensure the organization develops the technical capabilities required for current and future business needs.

The Head of Technical University will establish a modern learning model that combines classroom instruction digital learning hands-on training certifications and apprenticeship pathways.

Success is measured by the impact on employee capability engagement and alignment with Kraft Heinzs mission to grow and elevate technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Define and implement the long-term strategy and vision for the Technical University aligned with business and workforce needs.
• Build a scalable learning ecosystem for skilled trades maintenance quality engineering technicians and frontline technical roles.
• Establish competency models certification frameworks and structured career progression for technical talent.
• Establish KPIs to measure training effectiveness including:
  • Skill attainment
  • Certification rates
  • Productivity improvements
  • Retention of technical talent
• Demonstrate ROI of training investments.

Program Development

• Design curriculum across core technical disciplines including:
  • Maintenance and reliability
  • Electrical and mechanical systems
  • Automation and controls
  • Safety and regulatory compliance
  • Quality
  • Engineering
• Create multi-level training programs that progress from entry-level to expert technician.

Workforce Development

• Build apprenticeship internship and early-career pathways into technical roles.
• Partner with community colleges technical schools and workforce organizations to develop talent pipelines.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to create initiatives to attract new entrants to skilled trades careers.

Learning Delivery & Infrastructure

• Establish modern training environments including labs simulations and digital learning platforms.
• Implement blended learning approaches (hands-on instructor-led microlearning VR/AR etc.).
• Ensure consistent learning standards across all locations.

Leadership

• Build and lead a team of technical instructors curriculum designers and learning specialists.
• Create a culture of continuous learning and technical mastery across the organization.

Experience

• 10 years of experience in technical training workforce development operations leadership or industrial learning environments.
• Experience in manufacturing industrial operations field service or skilled trades training environments strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of building learning programs academies or workforce development initiatives.
• Proven experience in technical learning talent development or university leadership
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles instructional design and digital learning platforms
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage large-scale projects
• Excellent communication collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Data-driven mindset with experience in measuring learning impact
• Ability to inspire coach and develop technical talent

Education

• Bachelors degree in engineering industrial technology education workforce development or related field required.

Skills

• Deep understanding of technical workforce development
• Strong business and operational acumen
• Curriculum design and learning architecture
• Partnership development with education institutions
• Data-driven program evaluation
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills

What Success Looks Like

• A fully operational Technical University delivering structured career pathways for technicians.
• Increased internal promotion rates within technical roles.
• Strong pipelines of early-career skilled trades talent.
• Measurable improvements in maintenance reliability safety and operational performance.
• Recognition as an employer of choice for skilled trades careers.

Why This Role Matters

The Technical University will play a critical role in addressing the skilled trades gap strengthening our technical workforce and ensuring the organization has the capabilities needed to compete and grow in an increasingly technical operating environment.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Office-based (Chicago IL)
• Standard business hours; occasional travel and evening/weekend work may be required for program launches or events

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.