Manager, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz; Illinois; On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401k and life insurance

Wellbeing programs

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview, IL seeks a Manager, R&D - Packaging Development to lead packaging innovation from concept to commercialization. You will manage a team of developers and contractors, shape packaging strategies, and drive cross-functional projects across lab and production environments.

Strong leadership and technical depth in packaging are essential. The role emphasizes translating research into practical business impact, collaborating with Operations, Marketing, and other partners, and

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years packaging development experience in CPG, food & beverage (or MS 5+; PhD 4+).
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate others.
• Experience leading packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Directly lead a team of Packaging developers and contractors.
• Lead packaging development and commercialization of materials and systems.
• Manage timelines, communicate progress, and escalate risks.
• Identify and solve packaging challenges meeting operational and customer needs.
• Ensure feasible, manufacturable packaging, especially for foodservice formats.
• Lead/guide testing, qualification, and commercialization with cross-functional teams.
• Develop junior team members and balance workloads.
• Influence project direction with Operations, Marketing, and partners.
• Translate research findings into clear business implications.

Skills

People leadership

Project management

Communication

DoE & statistics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Packaging/Engineering degree

Job description

Job Description

Manager, R&D - Packaging Development

Job Description

This role leads packaging development for the AwayFromHome 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 willbe responsible fordeveloping 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 learningand statistical analysisinto practical business solutions.

This roleoperatesin a dynamic, cross-functional environment and calls forstrong communication, teamwork, andpeopleleadership. 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, escalat risks, and develop contingency plans using strong project management discipline
• Identify, define, and solve technical packaging challenges that meet both operational and customer requirements
• Ensure packaging solutions arefeasible, manufacturable, and fit for purpose, particularly in foodservice formats
• Leadand/or support developerswho areleadingpackaging testing, qualification, and commercialization in partnership with cross-functional teams across lab and production environments
• Manage and develop junior team members throughdevelopment 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-daycommercialization systems,routinesandways 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 relevantpackaging developmentexperiencewithin 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,coachand motivate others
• Prior people managementexperience 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 independentlymanage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritizeeffectively
• Strong understanding of Design of Experimentsand 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 savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical, 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.