Dessert R&D Product Innovation Lead

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Glenview (IL); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) plan

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview, IL, is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead dessert product development across multiple brands. You will guide a team of product developers, translate business objectives into practical plans, and drive projects from concept to commercialization in a fast-paced, cross-functional setting.

The role emphasizes technical judgment, collaboration with R&D, operations, quality, regulatory, marketing, and supply chain, with up to 30% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field, plus a minimum of 6 years of product development experience in CPG, food and beverage, or related industry; or Master’s degree plus minimum 5 years; or PhD plus minimum 4 years.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including leading, coaching, and developing technical talent.
• Strong knowledge of ingredients, product formulation, processing equipment, ingredient interactions, and laboratory test methods.
• Proven ability to lead product development and commercialization across multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong communication, influencing, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%, including travel to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and other business locations in the United States and Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development across multiple cross-functional projects and product categories within Desserts, including brand maintenance and portfolio evolution.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of product developers, setting priorities and building capability.
• Translate business objectives and regulatory requirements into clear development plans and ensure execution from concept through commercialization.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project progress and resolve technical issues.
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization activities across lab, pilot plant, and production environments.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and implications clearly to stakeholders and leadership.
• Build strong ways of working across the team and cross-functional partners to improve execution, clarity, and accountability.

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field

Master’s degree in related field (optional)

PhD in related field (optional)

Job description

Kraft Heinz in Glenview, IL, is seeking an experienced R&D Manager to lead dessert product development across multiple brands. You will guide a team of product developers, translate business objectives into practical plans, and drive projects from concept to commercialization in a fast-paced, cross-functional setting.

The role emphasizes technical judgment, collaboration with R&D, operations, quality, regulatory, marketing, and supply chain, with up to 30% travel.