Finance Lead, Category Finance – Taste Elevation

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 142,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

7% 401(k) matching

BRGs for diversity and inclusion

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Chicago is seeking a Finance Lead, Category Finance – Taste Elevation (TE). You will serve as the commercial finance partner to Heinz brands, shaping strategy beyond traditional reporting and leading monthly demand and forecasting.

The role requires extensive FP&A, CAPEX/ROI modeling, and building business cases for product innovations, with coaching responsibility for two analysts. Competitive base salary with bonus eligibility and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• BS in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required.
• 8 years of experience in Finance or a related field required.
• Prior Category, Corporate FP&A and/or Business Unit experience preferred.
• Prior CPG industry experience preferred.
• Exhibits strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Advanced Excel skills required.
• Previous people management experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly demand and financial forecasting for Heinz portfolio with cross-functional alignment.
• Lead variance analysis vs forecast, AOP, and prior year; identify causes and actions.
• Develop CAPEX/ROI models and business cases for portfolio initiatives.
• Build P&Ls for product innovations, renovations, and line extensions.
• Deliver timely ad-hoc analytics on revenue drivers and margin analysis.
• Manage two analysts and provide coaching and mentorship.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal communication

Education

BS in Business/Finance/Economics

Tools

CAPEX modeling

Job description

Job Description

Here at Kraft Heinz, we grow our people to grow our business, because we believe that great people make great companies. When you join our table, you can expect access to an array of holistic wellness benefits and perks, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 7% 401(k) matching, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to help foster diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all employees, an industry-leading total rewards package that emphasizes a high discretionary bonus. Benefits begin 30 days after hire for hourly employees, and immediately upon hire for salaried employees. Get a peek into life here at Kraft Heinz through our Instagram and TikTok channels!

Finance Lead, Category Finance – Taste Elevation (TE) at a Glance….

The Finance Lead, Category Finance – Taste Elevation (TE) will be the commercial finance partner to the Heinz business (e.g., Ketchup, Gravy, Stuffing). This role goes beyond traditional financial reporting to shape overall business strategy – bringing strong financial fundamentals and a commercial mindset to key decisions. The Lead leads monthly demand and financial forecasting, builds innovation P&Ls and business cases, develops CAPEX/ROI models, and delivers ad-hoc analysis that informs portfolio direction, investment choices, and performance outcomes.

What’s on the menu?

• Own monthly demand and financial forecasting for Heinz portfolio, including assumptions, risks/opportunities, and alignment with cross-functional partners (Sales, Marketing, RGM, and Demand Planning).
• Support annual operating plan (AOP) and long-range planning processes for assigned brands/categories.
• Lead variance analysis vs. forecast, AOP, and prior year; identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Assess the financial viability of commercial initiatives and provide recommendations on portfolio strategy, growth opportunities, pricing/mix, investment trade-offs, and risk mitigation
• Partner with Marketing/Sales/R&D/Supply Chain to build business cases and P&Ls for product innovations, renovations, and line extensions.
• Develop CAPEX models for key projects (capacity, productivity, new equipment, renovations), including ROI, NPV/IRR, payback, and sensitivity analysis.
• Deliver timely ad-hoc analytics (e.g., revenue drivers, margin walk, mix shifts, supply disruptions, retailer/customer dynamics).
• Manages two reports (analysts), providing coaching and mentorship to support his/her personal and professional development

Recipe for Success

BS in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required

8 years of experience in Finance or a related field required

Prior Category, Corporate FP&A and/or Business Unit experience preferred

Prior CPG industry experience preferred

Exhibits strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as broad business acumen

Exhibits strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)

Exhibits strong initiative and is detail oriented

Advanced excel skills required

Previous people management experience strongly preferred

Our Total Rewards philosophy

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:

$141,500.00 - $176,900.00

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

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.

You’ll 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 – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 [e-mail] for assistance.