Associate Design Director, Brand Experiences

The Kraft Heinz Company • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Kraft Heinz’s newly established Design function is shaping the next chapter of our iconic brands. By bringing together consumer-led visual systems, innovation, and distinctive brand experiences, we are creating new ways for our brands to connect, resonate, and grow. The Design team defines brand vision, builds powerful narratives, and, in close partnership with cross-functional partners, unites insight, strategy, creativity, and operational excellence to turn bold ideas into culturally relevant expressions that amplify our connection to consumers and culture. Reporting to the Chief Design Officer, the Associate Design Director, Brand Experiences, plays a critical role in shaping how Kraft Heinz brands come to life in the world. This role leads Brand Experiences for North America, influencing business and brand strategy, championing breakthrough creative, and helping define new ways for Kraft Heinz brands to build lasting emotional connections with consumers. Spanning partnership platforms, including sport and entertainment, as well as commercial channels such as Food Service, this role helps redefine what brand activation means at Kraft Heinz through experiences that are culturally relevant, strategically grounded, and distinctive in market. Operating from vision through execution, this leader translates ideas into impactful consumer and customer experiences across the business, brings clarity to complexity, and inspires bold thinking across teams and partners.

Requirements

• Deep passion for the intersection of brand building, culture, and consumer connection, with a strong instinct for translating ideas into impactful brand experiences that drive business results
• Proven success leading end-to-end design programs, from strategic definition through execution
• Strong creative judgment, with the confidence to challenge convention and advocate for bold, innovative ideas
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and focus teams on the highest-impact opportunities
• Excellent communication, influence, and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams and agency partners
• Resilience, agility, and strong organizational discipline in fast-paced environments, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in brand experience design, activation design, or related creative leadership roles, ideally within FMCG, lifestyle brands, or leading creative agencies

Nice To Haves

• advanced study in brand strategy, experiential design, or a related discipline is a plus

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and execution of Brand Experiences strategies for prioritized brands, strengthening brand equity and driving growth across North America
• Defining long-term brand strategies, narratives, and positioning that create differentiation, memorability, and cultural relevance in market
• Designing and delivering experiential marketing activations, events, and toolkits for prioritized brands across partnership platforms, including sport and entertainment, and commercial channels such as Food Service
• Partnering with marketing to translate strategic plans into clear Brand Experience priorities, creative briefs, and actionable roadmaps
• Leading the creative process from concept through execution, identifying the strongest creative territories and big ideas for each brand
• Leading cross-functional collaboration across brand partners, marketing excellence, consumer insights, sales, finance, freelancers, and external agencies to bring ideas to life
• Delivering high-quality creative work and activations on time and within budget
• Leading presentations and discussions with business unit and marketing senior leadership, advocating for bold and breakthrough ideas across the organization
• Building a deep understanding of consumer and customer needs, and using those insights to shape Brand Experience strategy and execution

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.
• Events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
• Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior