Manager, R&D – Packaging Margin Enhancement

Kraft Heinz; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 104,200 - 130,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking an R&D Manager for Packaging Margin Enhancement to lead medium-to-high complexity projects and manage a team of packaging developers across North America to improve packaging performance and profitability.

You will partner with BU R&D and cross-functional teams, apply DoE and data-driven decisions, and coach a high-performing team in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. Travel up to 30% is required.

Qualifications

• BS in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years in CPG packaging R&D with leadership experience.
• Proven track record leading packaging commercialization end-to-end.
• Experience mentoring direct reports and coaching teams.
• Strong DoE and data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of packaging materials and interactions with food products.
• Excellent communication and ability to influence across functions.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically (US/Canada).

Responsibilities

• Lead medium-to-high complexity packaging productivity projects from concept through commercialization.
• Design and oversee plant-scale packaging tests and guide data analysis and reporting.
• Translate R&D findings into quantifiable business opportunities and present recommendations.
• Partner with suppliers, plants, co-manufacturers, and internal experts to evaluate and implement packaging technologies.
• Ensure quality requirements are defined and embedded into specifications.
• Manage project timelines, risk assessments, and budgets across a portfolio.
• Coach and develop junior packaging developers and lead a high-performing team.
• Support cross-functional teams to drive speed-to-market on packaging initiatives.

Skills

DoE

Data analytics

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Travel 30%

Education

Bachelor's in Packaging Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Related field

Job description

Job Description

The R&D Manager for Packaging Margin Enhancement leads medium-to-high complexity packaging margin enhancement projects and manages a team of packaging developers to deliver productivity and cost optimization across Kraft Heinz North America business units. This role partners directly with BU R&D and cross-functional teams to deliver technically complex, high-impact projects that improve packaging performance and profitability. Success requires a blend of technical packaging expertise, strong commercialization experience, and the ability to coach and develop a high-performing team, all while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead medium-to-high complexity packaging productivity projects across all categories and provide technical direction to developers from concept through commercialization
• Design and oversee plant-scale packaging tests and guide developers in data analysis, conclusions, documentation, and results communication
• Translate R&D findings into quantifiable business opportunities and present recommendations to cross-functional and BU leadership
• Partner with suppliers, plants, co-manufacturers, and internal technical experts to evaluate and implement packaging technologies and materials
• Ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and embedded into specifications, delivering consistent, consumer-ready products
• Serve as a primary R&D point of contact for BU R&D Leads, maintaining regular, transparent communication on project status and risks
• Support cross-functional teams (Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations) to drive speed-to-market on packaging initiatives
• Own project timelines, risk assessments, issue escalation, and contingency planning across a portfolio of concurrent initiatives
• Manage team budgets and resource allocation to ensure delivery of in-year and pipeline projects
• Guide developers through project commercialization activities with strong technical rigor, ensuring statistical tools, technical excellence methods, and documentation best practices are consistently applied
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of junior packaging developers through structured development plans, workload balancing, and performance feedback
• Elevate team capability through training, stretch assignments, and external industry networking
• Foster a culture of inclusion, sustainability, continuous learning, and owner-mentality

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• 6+ years of experience in CPG packaging R&D, with demonstrated progression in technical and leadership scope
• Proven track record of leading packaging commercialization projects end-to-end with high autonomy
• Experience managing or mentoring direct reports, with strong coaching and development skills
• Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DoE) and data-driven decision-making
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, structures, and their interactions with food products
• Exceptional project management skills and able to manage competing priorities across a complex stakeholder network
• High learning agility with the ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic, ambiguous environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to influence without authority
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically (U.S. and Canada), including visits to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a normal office environment with limited travel or visits to external locations. Offices are open workspaces. Additionally, this role requires in-office presence at least three days per week in compliance with a hybrid work schedule.

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 30 lbs; navigate laboratory, storage, and manufacturing environments

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $104,200.00 – $130,200.00
Bonus: Eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

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 – 401(k), 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.