The Kitchen - Licensing Approvals Specialist

SALT XC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SALT XC seeks a Specialist in Licensing Approvals for a 4-month contract in Chicago. This role supports the fast-paced licensing function, ensuring approval processes for iconic brands are managed efficiently from concept through launch.

The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of project coordination experience, be detail-oriented, and possess strong communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential. Join us to play an integral role in managing approvals for both food and non-food licensing projects!

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of professional experience in project coordination or approvals management.
• Experience in operations or team coordination is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the approval process for licensing projects.
• Track timelines and milestones for deliverables.
• Support internal approval workflows.

Skills

Project coordination

Strong organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Job description

Specialist, Licensing Approvals (Contractor) – Chicago, IL

Contract Term: July 1 - October 31, 4-month contract

At Kraft Heinz, our mission in licensing is to accelerate growth for the company and its iconic brands. We bring a marketer’s mindset, with the vision to innovate while keeping the brand and its consumers at the center of everything we do.

The Licensing Approvals Specialist is a strong opportunity for a highly organized, detail-oriented coordinator who enjoys keeping complex projects moving and working across teams to bring great ideas to life. In this role, you will support a fast‑paced licensing function at Kraft Heinz, helping manage the approval process across a portfolio of iconic brands and ensuring projects move smoothly from concept through launch. Working closely with internal stakeholders and our external agency partner, you will ensure all approvals are secured timely at each of the proper stage gates across food and non‑food licensing projects in North America, including design concepts, sensory and sampling, packaging, marketing materials, social (The Kitchen), and PR/ launch plans.

Key Components of the Role

• Coordinate the day-to-day approval process & procedures for licensing projects across food and non‑food categories in North America
• Track timelines, review stages, and key milestones to help ensure deliverables move forward on schedule
• Support internal vetting and approval workflows across design concepts, sensory and sampling, packaging, marketing materials, social (The Kitchen), and PR/ launch plans
• Partner closely with the Licensing team and external agency partner to manage day-to-day requests, follow up on open items, and maintain momentum against deadlines
• Schedule /organize cross-functional meetings, ensuring materials are organized, feedback is documented, and next steps are communicated clearly
• Help keep stakeholders aligned throughout the product lifecycle by monitoring progress, identifying follow-ups, and escalating issues as needed
• Provide administrative and operational support to help the team execute smoothly and efficiently

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of professional experience in project coordination, operations, approvals management, or general support in a similar coordination-focused role
• Previous experience supporting day-to-day operations, project workflows, or cross-functional team coordination preferred
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at once
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and a high degree of accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and with external agency partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Familiarity with consumer products, retail, food, and/or brand licensing environments is a plus