Sr. Manager Commercialization

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Hybrid work flexibility

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Senior Product Commercialization Manager in Chicago to lead end-to-end product launches and post-launch reviews across NA. You will align R&D, Marketing, Sales Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and market success.

You will drive stage-gate decisions, monitor risk, and report progress while fostering cross-functional collaboration, speed to market, and continuous process improvements across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in CPG innovation and commercialization, including stage-gate and agile delivery.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and the ability to lead and motivate teams across departments.
• MBA and/or PMP or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end product commercialization from concept to market launch and post-launch review.
• Drive stage-gate decisions and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Identify risks and communicate mitigation strategies to executives.
• Track metrics, report progress, and adjust plans to ensure success and speed to market.
• Strengthen process rigor within Kraft Heinz’s commercialization processes.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or Engineering

MBA and/or PMP or equivalent

Job description

As the Senior Product Commercialization Manager (PCM), you will lead the execution of product commercialization to help deliver the goals of the Kraft Heinz business. You are accountable for successful delivery of the varying portfolio of project initiatives within the North America Zone. The role requires strong and effective leadership across multiple functional areas, aligning R&D, Marketing, Sales Finance, and Supply Chain so that every launch or product change is seamlessly executed and thrives in market. Proven communication, collaboration, and influencing skills are critical to realizing Kraft Heinz’s long-term strategic commitments. You will lead cross-functional project teams and are accountable for delivering multiple complex projects at a time – on time, on budget, and to the desired specifications.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Own Kraft Heinz’s end-to-end product commercialization process, from initial concept to successful market launch and post-launch review.
• Drive stage gate process and decisions on project progress, deviation, mitigation, influence cross functional teams in favor of project objectives and delivery expectations.
• Identify, monitor and communicate project risk to executive teams while supporting the development of mitigation strategies.
• Track key metrics, report progress, and make adjustments as needed to ensure project success. Lead cross-functional project team across R&D, Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Quality to innovate on execution processes to improve speed to market.
• Strengthen the quality, operational, technical rigor within Kraft Heinz’s commercialization processes leading to improve in-market success
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. MBA and/or advanced Project Management qualifications preferred (i.e., PMP or equivalent).
• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years in CPG innovation and commercialization, including stage-gate and agile delivery across grocery, mass retail, and e-commerce channels or Master’s degree with 7+ years of experience or PhD with 6+ years of experience
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to lead and motivate teams across different departments and levels.
• Ability to negotiate with stakeholders and team members to arrive at mutually beneficial solutions.
• Growth mindset with a passion for continuous learning and for applying new knowledge to improve project outcomes.
• Strong business acumen, with an understanding of the economic factors motivating brand and category strategy.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of leading conversations with both internal teams and external partners.

Work Environment & Schedule

Role will travel 10% of the time. Additionally, this role requires 5 days/week with hybrid flexibility to work remote 3 days/week.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range

$120,800.00 - $151,000.00

Bonus:

This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits:

Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing:

We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Benefits

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.