Associate Director, Innovation

Kraft Heinz • 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 insights, 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 Assistant Design Director, Innovation will play a pivotal role in advancing transformative design and business strategies across brand, product, packaging, retail, and merchandising. Within this newly established function, you will champion design thinking and innovation as catalysts for growth, helping uncover new opportunities, reframe complex challenges, and shape breakthrough ideas that create strategic value for Kraft Heinz brands and platforms. You will work across the organization to identify areas of opportunity, develop compelling concepts, and translate ideas into testable prototypes and actionable solutions. Your work will span the innovation lifecycle, from framing opportunities and synthesizing research to guiding prototyping, evaluating concepts, and helping ensure business impact and sustainability. This is a highly collaborative and visible role for a strategic thinker who is energized by ambiguity and motivated by the opportunity to embed innovation and design thinking more deeply across the business.

Requirements

• Passion for the intersection of brand building, culture, and consumer connection, with a strong instinct for turning creative opportunity into impactful brand innovation
• Demonstrated success leading end-to-end design programs from strategy through execution
• Proven experience across brand strategy, design strategy, innovation, and product development
• Courage to challenge the status quo and advocate for new ideas
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to distill complexity and focus on high-impact opportunities
• Strong communication, influence, and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams and agency partners
• Resilience and agility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Graphic Design, Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in design innovation

Nice To Haves

• MBA preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Leading impactful design thinking and innovation projects across diverse Kraft Heinz businesses
• Partnering with cross-functional teams to identify new business, product, and experience opportunities that drive growth
• Translating strategy into prototypes and pilots, evaluating concepts for desirability, feasibility, viability, and sustainability
• Navigating ambiguity and helping teams move ideas forward through a test-and-learn approach
• Applying and championing design thinking methodologies while helping build design thinking capability across the organization
• Solving complex business challenges and uncovering transformation opportunities through a systems-level perspective
• Supporting strategic planning and opportunity development for new brands, products, and experiences
• Collaborating with the Chief Design Officer and innovation teams to engage stakeholders, gather input, and shape creative opportunities
• Synthesizing research, business needs, and diverse perspectives into design strategies that support sustainable growth
• Articulating design vision through prototyping, scenario modeling, and strategic roadmaps
• Building strong cross-functional relationships to foster collaboration across research, marketing, media, and partner teams

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