Senior Manager, Consumer Experience & Innovation

The Kraft Heinz Company; Glenview (IL); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Prescription Drug

Dental

Vision

Screenings/Assessments

Paid Time Off

Company Holidays

Leave of Absence

Flexible Work Arrangements

Recognition

Training

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing Programs

Family Support Programs

401k

Life Insurance

AD&D

Disability

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview, IL seeks a Senior Manager, NA R&D – Consumer Experience to lead consumer experience for a portfolio of brands within the NA Zone. You will translate consumer needs into product design, requirements, and experience models that drive renovation and innovation across Food, Beverage, Snacks, and adjacent categories.

You will manage a team of Consumer Experience scientists, partner with Marketing, Insights, and R&D leaders to develop and qualify products, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Science (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Design) 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.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and allocate resources effectively.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• 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, 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

Experience in consumer research

UX design

Product innovation

Consumer Experience leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Storytelling & communication

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Science or Consumer Psychology

Job description

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview, IL seeks a Senior Manager, NA R&D – Consumer Experience to lead consumer experience for a portfolio of brands within the NA Zone. You will translate consumer needs into product design, requirements, and experience models that drive renovation and innovation across Food, Beverage, Snacks, and adjacent categories.

You will manage a team of Consumer Experience scientists, partner with Marketing, Insights, and R&D leaders to develop and qualify products, and