Packaging R&D Manager: Margin Growth & Team Leadership

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

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.