R&D & Product Development Leader

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

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Glenview is seeking an R&D Manager for Away From Home and KHI Product Development to lead multiple cross‑functional product development projects from concept through commercialization.

You will build and coach a high‑performing team, translate business needs into development plans, and drive execution across AFHI priorities, maintaining strong collaboration with R&D, operations, quality, regulatory, marketing and supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field; minimum 6 years of product development in CPG/food & beverage; or Master’s with 5+ years; or PhD with 4+ years.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, coaching and developing technical talent.
• Strong knowledge of ingredients, product formulation, processing equipment, ingredient interactions, and lab test methods.
• Proven ability to lead product development and commercialization across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development across cross-functional projects and product categories within Away From Home / KHI; include productivity, maintenance, brand maintenance, innovation, renovation.
• Manage and develop a team of product developers; set priorities and provide feedback.
• Translate business objectives into clear development plans and ensure execution from concept to commercialization.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project progress and meet timelines.
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization across lab, pilot plant, and production environments.
• Communicate findings, risks, and implications clearly to stakeholders and leadership.
• Balance multiple priorities and manage tradeoffs across initiatives, including maintenance and productivity asks.
• Drive core AFHI priorities: maintenance updates, productivity, formula optimization, and business continuity.
• Build strong ways of working across the team and cross-functional partners.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Project management

Product development

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Strong technical judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) encouraged

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Process equipment

Job description

Kraft Heinz in Glenview is seeking an R&D Manager for Away From Home and KHI Product Development to lead multiple cross‑functional product development projects from concept through commercialization.

You will build and coach a high‑performing team, translate business needs into development plans, and drive execution across AFHI priorities, maintaining strong collaboration with R&D, operations, quality, regulatory, marketing and supply chain.