R&D Consumer Experience Lead: Driving Innovation

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Glenview, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Healthcare coverage

Wellbeing programs

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, Inc. in Glenview, IL is seeking a Senior Manager, NA R&D – Consumer Experience to lead a team delivering consumer-centered product design and experience validation across categories.

You will translate consumer needs into requirements and guide concept, prototype, and validation with partners in Marketing, Innovation, and Packaging. The role emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment with travel as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Science (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Design, etc.) or Consumer Psychology disciplines
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant experience with Bachelor’s or 7+ years with Master’s or 6+ years with PhD
• Experience in consumer research, UX design, product innovation or related disciplines, including direct exposure to product development and commercialization
• Demonstrated experience in Consumer Experience, Product Research, or applied consumer insights supporting product development and commercialization
• Proven ability to translate consumer learning into product and technical decisions
• Strong people leadership and team-building skills
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with Brand, Marketing, Sensory, and R&D partners
• Strong communication and storytelling skills to influence diverse stakeholders
• Willingness to travel up to 20% based on project and business needs

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing Consumer Experience team that enables strong renovation and innovation outcomes.
• Translate consumer needs, behaviors, and Jobs-to-Be-Done into clear product and experience requirements.
• Design and execute consumer learning plans to support renovation, innovation, and technology platforms.
• Partner with R&D, Brand, Innovation, Insights, and Sensory teams to guide concept, prototype, and experience validation.
• Build and deploy consumer models, frameworks, and tools that support product development and qualification.
• Coach and develop Consumer Experience scientists in research design, insight quality, and business influence.
• Identify emerging consumer needs and trends that inform future Jobs-to-Be-Done and innovation opportunities.
• Prioritize work, manage resources, and ensure projects are delivered on time and to quality expectations.
• Provide technical and business judgment to guide product and portfolio decisions.
• Foster a culture of consumer centricity, learning, and innovation within R&D.

Skills

Consumer Research

UX Design

Product Innovation

Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Storytelling

Project Management

People Leadership

Stakeholder Influence

Travel up to 20%

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Kraft Heinz, Inc. in Glenview, IL is seeking a Senior Manager, NA R&D – Consumer Experience to lead a team delivering consumer-centered product design and experience validation across categories.

You will translate consumer needs into requirements and guide concept, prototype, and validation with partners in Marketing, Innovation, and Packaging. The role emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment with travel as