Lead, Supply Chain Development – Global Innovation

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 142,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Chicago, IL is seeking an Operations leader for Global Innovation to build supply chain solutions that support our innovation pipeline, with a focus on packaging for iconic brands worldwide. You will work with Local Supply Chain, Engineering, Innovation R&D, Marketing and Procurement to bring new packaging to life.

This role leads internal feasibility, capital planning and commercialization efforts, directing cross‑functional teams through early scoping, development, and execution

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 8+ years in food manufacturing, supply chain, or business development.
• 3+ years in Project Management for Consumer Products or Plant Manufacturing/R&D.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal feasibility assessments and business case development for commercialization.
• Oversee global packaging projects and capital planning with cross-functional engagement.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across supply chain, R&D, Marketing and Procurement.
• Assess capacity needs and optimize throughput and margin for growth initiatives.
• Develop capital business cases with finance to support growth initiatives.

Skills

Supply chain experience

Project management

Food manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Job Title

Lead, Supply Chain Development – Global Innovation

Location

Chicago, IL

Job Description

As the Operations lead for Global Innovation, you will be challenged to build Kraft Heinz external and internal supply chain solutions to support the innovation pipeline. With a focus on packaging innovation, you will work collaboratively with Local Supply Chain, Engineering, Innovation R&D, Marketing and Procurement teams to bring new packaging to life on our most iconic brands across the world. This leader will leverage their experience on internal & external capabilities, capital funding approval processes, commercialization, and operational execution. They will provide supply chain leadership in all phases of the project, including initial feasibility assessment and be a critical part of the Build and In-Market Validation Phases of the project.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal feasibility assessments and business case to support commercialization plans; define network capability (capacity/technology) and capital associated with developing such capability.
• Lead commercialization effort for select packaging projects globally. Ensure effective team engagement which may include establishing and managing team meetings. Review project timelines and cost regularly with the project team, facilitate creation of mitigation/contingency plans and manage communication.
• Lead internal feasibility with Quality and Research and Development on initial scoping to ensure that the proper procedures and processes are followed and align to before any new business initiatives, growth plans or major capital improvements projects are initiated.
• Assess capacity needs for new business initiatives and growth plans across product life cycle. Develop and recommend solutions to provide optimal throughput while maximizing margin. Provide updates to leadership, project sponsors and stakeholders as needed on key initiatives, including progress against deliverables, cost management, next steps and needs from sponsors to alleviate hurdles.
• Develop capital business cases in conjunction with finance and project teams to support business growth initiatives. Identify impact across the supply chain with regard to cost of goods sold e.g. route to market, capacity utilization, DIOH, manufacturing efficiency, quality, safety.
• Lead technical and supply chain readiness to support Global Innovation commercialization activity. The individuals will lead using tools that prepare the supply chain and manufacturing facilities for successful start- ups.
• Support Business and Manufacturing Systems initiatives as required and support the continuous improvement of the commercialization process through collaboration with key stakeholders and best practice sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Chemistry, or another related field
• Required: Minimum of 8 years combined experience in food manufacturing, supply chain, business development
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Project Management for Consumer Products or experience in Plant Manufacturing or R&D

Competencies/Abilities

• Strategic capabilities/business acumen
• Drive for results
• Building and strengthening relationships
• Managing through ambiguity
• Strong Communication-Written and Presentation

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 - $165,000

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

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.