R&D Product Development Manager, Dairy & Cheese

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Wellbeing programs

401(k) plan

Career development

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, Inc. is seeking a senior lead for product development to guide multiple cross-functional projects across cheese and dairy categories.

You’ll translate business goals into concrete development plans, oversee from concept to commercialization, and mentor a developing team across labs, pilot plants, and production environments. Expect to drive testing, qualification, and commercialization while communicating risks and opportunities to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• 6+ years of product development experience in CPG/food & beverage; or 5+ with master's; 4+ with PhD.
• Experience with cheese and dairy ingredients or products.
• Proven people leadership experience including coaching and development.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development across cross-functional projects including innovation, renovation, cost reduction and brand maintenance.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of product developers and set priorities.
• Translate business objectives into development plans and drive concept to commercialization.
• Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization across lab, pilot plant, and production environments.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, risks, and implications to stakeholders and leadership.
• Travel up to 30% to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and other locations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Kraft Heinz, Inc. is seeking a senior lead for product development to guide multiple cross-functional projects across cheese and dairy categories.

You’ll translate business goals into concrete development plans, oversee from concept to commercialization, and mentor a developing team across labs, pilot plants, and production environments. Expect to drive testing, qualification, and commercialization while communicating risks and opportunities to leadership.