Lead, HR - Technical University

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

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Chicago, IL is seeking a Lead HR - Technical University to design and lead a scalable technical learning ecosystem spanning maintenance, engineering, and skilled trades. You will partner with Operations, HR, COEs, and education partners to build career pathways and measurable training impact.

This senior role requires building competency models, certifications, and multi-level programs, plus modern delivery including labs, digital learning, and apprenticeships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial technology, education, workforce development, or related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in technical training, workforce development, HR operations leadership, or industrial learning environments.
• Proven track record of building learning programs, academies, or workforce development initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, and digital learning platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the long-term strategy and vision for the Technical University.
• Design curriculum across core technical disciplines (maintenance, electrical/mechanical, automation, safety, quality, engineering).
• Build apprenticeship, internship, and early-career pathways and partner with community colleges and workforce orgs.
• Lead a team of instructors, curriculum designers, and learning specialists; measure learning impact.

Skills

Technical workforce development

Business & operations

Curriculum design

Education partnerships

Data-driven evaluation

Leadership & communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/industrial tech/education/workforce development

Job description

Job Description

The Lead HR - Technical University is responsible for designing and leading the company’s Supply Chain/Manufacturing 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 newly created HR leadership role will partner closely with Operations leadership, HR, COE's, and external education partners to ensure the organization develops the Technical Capabilities required for sustainable business growth. The Lead HR 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 Heinz’s mission to grow and elevate technical excellence.

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, HR 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

• Bachelor’s 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) - Hybrid 3 days/week Onsite Aon Center
• 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

$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.

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)

Chicago/Aon Center

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.