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Lead, State Affairs – West

Kraft Heinz


Job Location:

Chicago, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 141500 - 176900
Posted: 28 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

Job Description

StateGovernmentAffairs West Coast

Washington DCOR Chicago IL

About Us

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.Werea 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 andnumerousother 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 Planters Maxwell House Capri Sun Ore-Ida Kool-Aid Jell-O Primal Kitchen and Classico among others.

No matter the brandwereunited under one vision:To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39000 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 everyfacetof our business our consumers and our communities. Every dayweretransforming 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 citizentheresonly one thing to do: join our tableandletsmake life delicious!

OurCulture of Ownership Meritocracy & Collaboration

Werenot afraid to think differently. Embracenew ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level from entry-level intern to seniorleader to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz which we apply to every situation every day. As part of Kraft Heinzyouresupported to grow and achieve.Youreexpected to bring your authentic self to work every day to lead with humility and drive outstanding performance at every level andyoullbe rewarded.Youregiven opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But youwontdo it alone.Youresupported by passionate teammates along the way and our collective collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.

Position Summary

The State AffairsLeader of the West Coast willplay acritical role on theStateGovernment Affairs team driving Kraft Heinz Companys (KHC) state-level advocacy efforts to shape public policy and advance businessobjectives. This role is instrumental in promoting and protecting KHCs interests in priority statesultimately contributingto the companys long-term success and growth.This role willreportto the Associate Director of State Government Affairs.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Leadgovernment affairs for a region ofstates toincrease KHCs influence on state legislation; set prioritiesandstrategies

  • Serve astheprimary state lobbyist in priority states: draft/negotiates bill language and amendments recruit sponsors deliver testimony and drive committee/floor outcomes.

  • Supportandmaintainstrategic bipartisan relationships with governors offices legislative leadership and chairs of key committees; develop relationship maps and engagement plans.

  • Act as a subject-matter expert in at least two KHC-relevant policy areas; produce position papers model bill text executive briefs and public comments; represent KHC in rulemaking and stakeholder forums.

  • Build and lead coalitions with companies suppliers retailers chambers NGOs and trade associations

  • Monitor and forecast state legislative regulatory and ballot initiatives; provide early-warning alerts with recommended actions.

  • Manage external consultants/contract lobbyists budgets and performance; ensure state lobbying registrations reporting and ethics/pay-to-play compliance.

  • Manage cross-functionally (Legal Regulatory R&D Supply Chain ESG Commercial HR Communications) to support state-level crisis/issue response strategy

Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree

  • Deep knowledge of state legislative/regulatory processes and state lobbying compliance.

  • Exceptional advocacy negotiation and communication skills; ability to translate complexpolicyinto clear business implications.

  • Strong project budget and vendor management; KPI- and outcome-oriented.

  • High integrity nonpartisan judgment and discretion with sensitive information.

  • Willingness to travel

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (JD MA MBA etc.)

  • Corporate experience on a state government affairs team

  • Demonstrated senior-level experience within state or local government

Required Experience:

  • 8years in state government (legislature governor/AG office or stateagency) orstate lobbying experienceProven record drafting/negotiating legislation and regulations delivering testimony and securing enactments or defeating adverse proposals.

  • Established relationships with governors offices legislative leadership and key committee chairs across multiple states.

  • Demonstrated SME depth in at least two areas relevant to KHC (e.g. food safety/labeling; agriculture and nutrition programs; packaging/EPR; tax/incentives; workforce/labor; environment/climate; privacy/data)evidencedby authored comments/testimony or task force participation.

  • Experience managing external consultants/contract lobbyists and leading cross-functionalissueteams.

  • Coalition-building experience and engagement with state policy organizations (e.g. NCSL CSG NGA).

EEO Policy

Kraft Heinz is an EO employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled and other protected categories

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:

$141500.00 - $176900.00

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 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)

Chicago/Aon Center Govt Relations Office

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.


About Company

Company Logo

For 150 years, we have produced some of the world's most beloved products at The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC). Our Vision is To Be the Best Food Company, Growing a Better World. We are one of the largest global food and beverage companies, with 2018 net sales of approximately $26 ... View more

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