Lead, R&D - Product Development

About the role

Kraft Heinz is looking for a Lead, R&D - Product Development in Glenview, Illinois. You will act as the R&D category lead, partnering with business units, cross-functional teams, plants and suppliers to develop category strategies and guide projects from concept through commercialization.

Key responsibilities

• Lead category resource planning and budget management to support business priorities.
• Translate research, consumer insights and technical findings into actionable recommendations and scope business opportunities.
• Guide developers in designing and running tests, analyzing data, documenting findings and commercializing products.
• Set project priorities, technical timelines, risk assessments and contingency plans, with clear updates to business and R&D leaders.
• Ensure commercialization excellence, product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance and speed to market with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor category competitors and emerging technologies and partnerships, and work with technical experts and category scientists on technologies, raw materials and product specifications.
• Lead, coach and develop team members, build succession plans and foster a high-performing, inclusive culture.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related technical field with at least 11 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with at least 10 years.
• Demonstrated experience leading R&D product development and commercialization in a complex, cross-functional environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% based on business needs.

Required skills

• Technical experience in beverages such as ready-to-drink products, powders or liquid concentrates.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality, ingredient interactions and Design of Experiments.
• Project management: managing multiple priorities, allocating resources, assessing risk and prioritizing work.
• Strong written and verbal communication, influencing, collaboration and stakeholder management.