Packaging Margin R&D Manager — Lead & Deliver Profitability

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Glenview, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Healthcare benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, Inc. in Glenview, IL, is seeking an R&D Manager for Packaging Margin Enhancement to lead a team of packaging developers and deliver productivity and cost optimization across Kraft Heinz North America business units.

The role requires strong DoE, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, with up to 30% travel and hybrid in-office schedule. You will partner with BU R&D, suppliers, plants and co-manufacturers to advance high-impact packaging initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 6+ years in CPG packaging R&D with progression in technical and leadership scope.
• Experience leading end-to-end packaging commercialization projects.
• Proficiency in DoE and data-driven decision making.

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.
• Own project timelines, risk assessments, issue escalation, and contingency planning across a portfolio of concurrent initiatives.

Skills

DoE

Project management

Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Mentoring/Coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Kraft Heinz, Inc. in Glenview, IL, is seeking an R&D Manager for Packaging Margin Enhancement to lead a team of packaging developers and deliver productivity and cost optimization across Kraft Heinz North America business units.

The role requires strong DoE, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, with up to 30% travel and hybrid in-office schedule. You will partner with BU R&D, suppliers, plants and co-manufacturers to advance high-impact packaging initiatives.