Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz; Monroe Center (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible work arrangements

Paid time off

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Sr Scientist in R&D Packaging Development at its Glenview R&D Center to lead packaging projects across brands like Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1. The role requires coordinating cross-functional teams and driving projects from concept through commercialization in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in packaging materials, lab methods, and project ownership, with a track record of delivering results and a willingness to travel up to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 3+ years, or PhD with 2+ years.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging lab test methods.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others.
• Proven track record leading packaging projects from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support packaging projects across innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG.
• Act as packaging lead to drive execution across multiple projects from different business units/product categories.
• Design tests, analyze data, document results, and commercialize products.
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently and prioritize among business initiatives.
• Translate research findings into business opportunities and communicate to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Packaging materials

Lab methods

Communication

Leadership

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Packaging spec systems

Job description

Job Description

Sr Scientist, R&D - Packaging Development

Job Purpose

The Sr Packaging Scientist will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing direction and execution of projects. This role will be identifying, scoping, and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives. This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results. Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment. The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This role requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability complete work with minimal guidance.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead and support packaging projects spanning innovation, commercialization, cost savings, and ESG within the Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1 Brand
• Work with cross functional teams, acting as packaging lead to drive execution across multiple projects from different business units/product categories
• Understanding the business need, designing and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, documenting, communicating results, and commercializing products
• Manage multiple assignments/ projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
• Complete packaging testing, qualification and commercialization while working closely with cross-functional team members in laboratory and production environments
• Translate research findings into relevant business opportunities and communicate to cross-functional teams
• Adapt and apply scientific principles to new situations/products
• Specification creation and updating, with attention to detail
• Exhibiting a collaborative attitude and applying innovative solutions are a must

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree plus minimum 4 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree plus minimum 3 years of relevant experience, or PhD degree plus 2 years of relevant experience
• Strong understanding of key subject matter in areas such as packaging materials, packaging equipment/materials interaction, and packaging laboratory test methods
• Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others
• Proven track record of leading packaging projects from concept through successful commercialization, with direct ownership of results
• Understanding of beginning to end commercialization for new product launches
• Build out and take accountability for Packaging R&D timeline actions, ensuring tasks are clearly planned and executed
• Provides ownership of actions and understands role and responsibilities within cross functional project teams
• Hands-on experience developing or supporting rigid bottles, closures and film packaging components strongly preferred; willingness to quickly learn and apply new packaging technologies valued
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and manage packaging specification systems (such as documentation, updates, and data accuracy) to support quality and compliance
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with ability to prioritize work
• Willingness to travel 30%

Work Environment & Schedule

Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces 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

$89,800.00 - $112,200.00

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-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Benefits

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• 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)

Glenview R&D Center, Heinz Innovation 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.