Sr. Brand Manager, AFH Innovation - Customer

Kraft Heinz Company; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Brand Manager to spearhead the innovation pipeline for their Away from Home (AFH) Customer Innovation Platform. This dynamic role involves leading the strategic development and execution of innovative products while collaborating with cross-functional teams. You will inspire a culture of creativity, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of market trends. With a focus on sustainability and growth, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative work environment that values flexibility and innovation.

Benefits

Healthcare

Retirement plans

Wellbeing programs

Paid time off

Holidays

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in marketing, product innovation, or brand management.
• Proven leadership in building and inspiring high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end innovation process for AFH Customer Co-Created Platform.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for seamless execution of initiatives.

Skills

Marketing

Product Innovation

Brand Management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Data Analysis

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or marketing

MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Sr. Brand Manager, AFH Innovation - Customer page is loaded

Sr. Brand Manager, AFH Innovation - Customer

Apply locations Chicago, IL Glenview, IL | Full time | Posted on: Posted 30+ Days Ago | Job requisition id: R-90377

Job Description

As a Senior Brand Manager for AFH Innovation, your role is to lead the strategic development and execution of the innovation pipeline for the Away from Home (AFH) Customer Innovation Platform at Kraft Heinz. You will drive ideation, curation, and commercialization of innovative products aligned with global trends to support company growth. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and fostering an innovation-driven culture, you will ensure AFH serves as a key innovation engine within Kraft Heinz, supporting ESG and sustainability initiatives.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Lead end-to-end innovation process for the AFH Customer Co-Created Platform, managing the pipeline from ideation to product launch, including opportunity identification, project prioritization, and commercialization in line with business objectives.
2. Develop a strategic approach to innovation, ensuring alignment with market trends, consumer insights, and AFH’s growth goals.
3. Collaborate with customers and stakeholders across R&D, culinary, consumer insights, quality, legal, operations, sales, and finance to ensure seamless execution of initiatives.
4. Foster a culture of innovation by championing creative thinking and new product development reflecting global trends and cultural shifts; inspire teams to take calculated risks and challenge the status quo.
5. Manage the stage gate process, including deliverables, timelines, and approvals; ensure projects are resourced and prioritized effectively.
6. Manage agency relationships for packaging design and lead consumer validation efforts with insights team.
7. Work with commercial teams to refine product positioning and messaging to meet AFH customer needs.
8. Build and maintain partnerships with Customer, Sales, Marketing, Global Disruptive Innovation, and R&D teams for cohesive innovation planning and execution.
9. Use syndicated data to analyze innovation performance, providing insights for business decisions.
10. Maintain a consumer-first mindset while balancing brand integrity with operational and financial considerations.

Expected Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field; MBA preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5-7 years in marketing, product innovation, or brand management, with at least 3 years leading product development from concept to market in consumer goods.
• Proven leadership in building and inspiring high-performing teams.
• Experience setting strategic direction and mobilizing cross-functional teams.
• Results-oriented with problem-solving skills in complex environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to build relationships and present to leadership.
• Passion for consumer marketing, culture, trends, and innovation.
• Skilled at managing multiple projects with timely delivery.
• Ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Effective at communicating vision to diverse teams and leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to navigate organizational channels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Work Environment & Schedule

Our office promotes collaboration and flexibility, with remote work options up to two days per week for most employees. Hybrid roles may allow remote work up to six weeks annually, in two-week increments, subject to role and location requirements. If based in downtown Chicago, weekly travel to Glenview R&D Center is required.

This description may evolve; duties may change or be added without notice.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary Range: $137,400 - $171,700

Bonus: Performance-based, as per plan.

Salary may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

Benefits include: Healthcare, retirement plans, wellbeing programs, paid time off, holidays, and more, tailored per role and location.

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center, Glenview R&D Center

Equal Opportunity Statement

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants requiring accommodations may contact [e-mail].