Director, R&D – Central Packaging E2E Execution

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview, IL seeks a Director of R&D, Central Packaging E2E Execution, to lead two high-impact teams delivering complex packaging initiatives and driving end-to-end cost optimization. You will shape the technical direction, establish governance, and build capabilities across R&D, Operations, Procurement, and Business Units.

Hybrid work model with on-site presence at the Glenview Innovation Center; strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a track record of delivering packaging

Qualifications

• 15+ years in progressive R&D and commercialization in packaging.
• 7+ years leading technical teams with managers and multi-team orgs.
• Strong business and financial acumen with cost-savings delivery.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute portfolio strategy across Packaging Complex Projects and Productivity.
• Deliver >$750MM NSV impact and >95% Right-First-Time delivery.
• Lead two high-performing technical teams (25–30 total) and develop successors.

Skills

R&D leadership

Packaging expertise

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s preferred

Job description

Job Purpose

As the Director of R&D, Central Packaging E2E Execution, you will lead two high-impact teams focused on delivering high complexity packaging initiatives and drive E2E X-BU cost optimization across the Kraft Heinz packaging portfolio. This role provides strategic leadership for complex packaging projects from ideation through implementation in partnership with the Platform teams, while simultaneously driving Productivity initiatives and Productivity pipeline creation to optimize costs and improve total value of our packages. You will shape the technical direction of packaging development, establish governance frameworks, and build organizational capabilities across these two teams. The position requires exceptional technical expertise in packaging, executional excellence, strong business acumen, and proven leadership experience in managing multiple high-performing teams.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Define and execute portfolio strategy across Packaging Complex Projects and Productivity, optimizing for business impact, technical feasibility, and resource allocation
• Own the development, prioritization, and health of the Productivity pipeline to consistently deliver >$7-$10MM in annual cost savings
• Drive delivery of packaging projects with >$750MM NSV impact, ensuring >95% Right-First-Time success through rigorous stage-gate and risk management processes
• Partner with senior leadership across R&D, Operations, Procurement, and Business Units to shape packaging investment priorities and enterprise packaging strategy
• Establish and steward technical standards, governance frameworks, and best practices for complex packaging development and Productivity execution
• Champion Right-First-Time delivery through robust design-for-manufacturability principles, supplier qualification, and cross-functional risk management
• Drive sustainability integration across the packaging portfolio in alignment with corporate ESG commitments and evolving regulatory requirements
• Lead strategic supplier engagement to unlock innovation, cost competitiveness, and supply chain resilience
• Collaborate with Packaging Innovation and Procurement to build and manage a best-in-class supplier partnership ecosystem
• Lead, develop, and inspire two high-performing technical teams (25–30 total) with a strong culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Design clear roles, career pathways, and succession plans; build organizational capability for long-term growth
• Establish effective interfaces and ways of working with Platform teams, Business Units, and key external partner.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for both Complex Projects and Productivity teams, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and business unit objectives

People Management Responsibilities

• Team (salaried): 8-10 direct reports, 25-30 total team responsibility
• Complex Projects team: 4 direct reports, 12 total
• Productivity team: 4-6 direct reports, 13-18 total

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Complex packaging project portfolio delivered with >95% Right-First-Time success rate
• Productivity pipeline consistently generating >$25MM in annual cost savings without compromising package performance or consumer experience
• Technical standards, governance frameworks, and stage-gate processes established and maintained across both teams
• Robust succession planning and capability development programs in place
• Full compliance with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements across the packaging portfolio
• Strategic supplier partnership framework co-developed with Packaging Innovation and Procurement

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s required; master’s preferred in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive R&D and commercialization experience in packaging, with demonstrated expertise across materials, processes, and manufacturing
• 7+ years leading technical teams, including experience managing managers and building multi-team organizations
• Proven track record delivering complex, cross-functional packaging projects at scale and driving significant cost savings through Productivity or similar initiatives
• Experience managing substantial project portfolios and budgets with strong business and financial acumen
• Technical depth in packaging substrates, structural design, manufacturing processes, and supplier landscapes
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into executable technical roadmaps
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills - comfortable influencing at all levels
• Strong organizational design instincts; experience building high-performing technical teams in complex matrix environments
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership style with a bias for accountability and execution

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates primarily 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).

Physical Requirements

Instructions: For each bullet point, include the frequency (List A) that actions or physical demands (List B) will be performed. In addition, please indicate the level of physical strength required (List C). NOTE: Mental abilities are not needed in this section, as they are encompassed in the Expected Experience & Skills section.

Physical demands

include but not limited to

List the job’s physical requirements. (Mental requirements are not needed.)

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

$190,300.00 - $237,900.00

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.

Long-Term Incentive (LTI)

In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.

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.

Benefits

• 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 that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [e-mail].