Senior Packaging R&D Manager

The Kraft Heinz Company; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview is seeking a Manager, R&D - Packaging Development to lead packaging innovation for the AwayFromHome business. You will direct a team of packaging developers and oversee contractors, translating research into practical, scalable packaging solutions that meet business goals.

This role requires strong technical depth, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Marketing, and production teams.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 6 years of packaging development experience or MS with 5 years or PhD with 4 years
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and motivate others
• Prior people management experience preferred
• Proven ability to lead and execute technically complex packaging projects
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, equipment, material interactions, and test methods
• Excellent communication, influencing, critical thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

Responsibilities

• Directly lead a team of packaging developers and potentially contractors
• Lead packaging development and commercialization of materials and packaging systems to deliver short- and long-term business objectives
• Manage technical timelines, communicate progress clearly, escalate risks, and develop contingency plans
• Identify, define, and solve technical packaging challenges meeting operational and customer requirements
• Ensure packaging solutions are feasible, manufacturable, and fit for purpose, especially in foodservice formats
• Lead or support developers leading packaging testing, qualification, and commercialization with cross-functional teams
• Manage and develop junior team members through development plans and workload balancing
• Influence project direction with Operations, Marketing, and other partners
• Translate research findings into clear business implications and expected impact

Skills

Leadership

Packaging development

Project management

Communication

DOE / Design of Experiments

Statistical analysis

People management

Travel up to 30%

Education

BS in Packaging / Chemical/Mechanical Engineering

MS in Packaging / related field

PhD (optional)

Job description

The Kraft Heinz Company in Glenview is seeking a Manager, R&D - Packaging Development to lead packaging innovation for the AwayFromHome business. You will direct a team of packaging developers and oversee contractors, translating research into practical, scalable packaging solutions that meet business goals.

This role requires strong technical depth, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Marketing, and production teams.