Sr Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

Kraft Heinz, Inc.; Warrendale (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz, Inc. is seeking an experienced Packaging R&D Lead to guide packaging projects across Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1 brands.

You will act as packaging lead, coordinating with cross-functional teams to drive execution from concept to commercialization, and translate research into business opportunities. The role requires strong test design, data analysis, and communication skills, with a track record of leading packaging initiatives.

Qualifications

• Lead and support packaging projects across Heinz, Classico, Stove Top and A1 brands.
• Act as packaging lead to drive execution across multiple projects and business units.
• Design and execute tests, analyze data, and commercialize products.
• Prioritize multiple assignments and manage concurrent projects.
• Complete packaging testing, qualification and commercialization with cross-functional teams.
• Translate research findings into business opportunities and communicate results.
• Adapt scientific principles to new products.
• Experience with packaging materials, equipment interaction, and lab test methods.
• Strong communication, influencing and problem-solving skills.
• Lead and motivate others; ownership of packaging projects from concept to commercialization.
• Understand end-to-end commercialization for new product launches.
• Experience with packaging specification systems and data accuracy.
• Willingness to travel 30%.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging projects from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive execution across projects.
• Design tests, analyze results, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Manage multiple assignments and prioritize initiatives.
• Maintain packaging specifications and documentation with accuracy.

Skills

Packaging project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Test design and data analysis

Communication and influencing

Mentoring / coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

• 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
• 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%