Manager, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz seeks a Manager, R&D – Packaging Development in Glenview, IL, to lead a team of packaging developers and contractors, driving development from concept to commercialization for the Away From Home business.

You will manage technical timelines, coordinate cross-functional work streams with Operations and Marketing, and translate research findings into strategic business insights that improve packaging performance and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant packaging development experience within CPG, food and beverage, or related industry; or master’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and motivate others.
• Prior people management experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and execute technically complex packaging projects.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, material interactions, and packaging laboratory test methods.
• Excellent communication, influencing, critical thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to independently manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments and statistical analysis.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Directly lead a team of Packaging developers and potentially contractors.
• Lead packaging development and commercialization of materials and packaging systems to deliver short- and long-term business objectives.
• Manage technical timelines, communicate progress clearly, escalating risks, and developing contingency plans using strong project management discipline.
• Identify, define, and solve technical packaging challenges that meet both operational and customer requirements.
• Ensure packaging solutions are feasible, manufacturable, and fit for purpose, particularly in foodservice formats.
• Lead and/or support developers who are leading packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization in partnership with cross-functional teams across lab and production environments.
• Manage and develop junior team members through development plans, workload balancing, and team effectiveness.
• Influence project direction in collaboration with Operations, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners.
• Understand and be fluent in day-to-day commercialization systems, routines and ways of working.
• Translate research findings and test results into clear business implications, including the “why” behind recommendations and the expected impact.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Statistical analysis

Design of Experiments

Education

BS in Packaging

MS in Packaging/Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Manager, R&D – Packaging Development

This role leads packaging development for the Away From Home business, shaping practical, effective packaging solutions that balance technical rigor, business needs, and operational feasibility. It is a managerial and technical role within Research & Development Packaging, with direct leadership responsibility for packaging developers and potential oversight of contractors.

The person in this role will be responsible for developing and executing work plans, driving results across a range of initiatives, and leading packaging development from concept through commercialization. Success requires strong technical depth, sound judgment, and the ability to translate scientific learning and statistical analysis into practical business solutions.

This role operates in a dynamic, cross-functional environment and calls for strong communication, teamwork, and people leadership. The candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities with minimal guidance, solve technical packaging challenges, and lead with a collaborative, results-oriented mindset.

Key Components of the role

• Directly lead a team of Packaging developers and potentially contractors
• Lead packaging development and commercialization of materials and packaging systems to deliver short- and long-term business objectives
• Manage technical timelines, communicate progress clearly, escalating risks, and developing contingency plans using strong project management discipline
• Identify, define, and solve technical packaging challenges that meet both operational and customer requirements
• Ensure packaging solutions are feasible, manufacturable, and fit for purpose, particularly in foodservice formats
• Lead and/or support developers who are leading packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization in partnership with cross-functional teams across lab and production environments
• Manage and develop junior team members through development plans, workload balancing, and team effectiveness
• Influence project direction in collaboration with Operations, Marketing, and other cross-functional partners
• Understand and be fluent in day-to-day commercialization systems, routines and ways of working
• Translate research findings and test results into clear business implications, including the “why” behind recommendations and the expected impact

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant packaging development experience within CPG, food and beverage, or related industry; or master’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and motivate others
• Prior people management experience preferred
• Proven ability to lead and execute technically complex packaging projects
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, material interactions, and packaging laboratory test methods
• Excellent communication, influencing, critical thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to independently manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize effectively
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments and statistical analysis
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

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: $104,200.00 - $130,200.00

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)

Glenview R&D 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.