Packaging R&D Manager: Lead Development & Commercialization

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

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.