Lead, R&D - Product Development

Job Description
This is a Research and Development Lead role in the Meals & Kits Technical Platform with a primary focus on our Mac & Cheese businesses . The R &D Technical Brand Manager (TBM) role is c ritical to delivering the 3YP and 10YS for the business. The TBM is tasked with building a pipeline aligns with the business/brand strategy to drive growth , product/pack superiority, and future proofs brands through innovative solutions . This role serves as the technical and consumer expert for the brands and is the primary R&D representative for the Brand Growth and Front End Innovation process es and . The TBM will have a consumer understanding of the categories, maintain awareness of competition, partner with CIS on competitive benchmarking , and partner with Quality on tracking and setting the strategy for consumer complaints mitigation . As the subject matter expert and voice of the consumer , the TBM with t irelessly advocat e for the product's consumer needs and ensuring that every new product and/ or product change delights and meets their expectations .
What's on the menu?

• Create a R&D strategy that i s based on category, consumer , and competitive understanding and aligns with overall business/brand strategy ; Enable s delivery of growth for the business ; Ensure s the products evolve to changing consumer needs, preferences, and expectations ; Drive s Irresistible Superiority across formula and packaging

• Use strategy to guide technology choices and unlock i nnovative solutions

• Serve as Technical and C onsumer/ C ategory expert for the brands

• Act as the Voice of Consumer throughout all workstreams by driving clear technical and consumer requirements

• Establishes a routine of Category Reviews, Complaint Reviews, and Competitive benchmarking

• Be fluent in market trends, competitive landscapes, and consumer needs to inform product development

• Highly integrated into Marketing, Finance, Consumer Insights Teams and grounded in the full business model to achieve brand goals

• Establish an internal and external network to d rive strategic partnerships

Recipe for Success - apply now if this sounds like you!

• Master's Degree - MS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Consumer Science, or related field

• 15+ Years of experience in consumer research and product development ( food industry preferred )

• Strong understanding of market, category, and consumer behavior, needs, delight ers, and drivers of category growth

• Analytical and strategic skills ; Ability to combine technical and business knowledge to draw meaningful results

• Ability to translate external factors, forecast future needs, and put into action plans

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to effectively manage and influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders

• Able to manage multiple priorities, execute with excellence, and deliver breakthrough results in a fast-changing environment successfully and independently

• P assion for operating in new spaces , a gility , and willingness to do things differently

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:
$137,400.00 - $171,700.00
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.
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
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 [email protected] for assistance.