Lead, R&D - Product Development

Kraft Heinz • Glenview, IL

2d • $141,500 - $176,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

The R&D Lead for the Hydration Beverages business unit drives near-, mid-, and long-term product development strategies for brands including Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, and Mio. The role oversees innovation, renovation, productivity, service continuity, and other initiatives across North America, providing strategic direction, technical coaching, and team development. The position is based at the Glenview, IL Innovation Center and follows a flexible hybrid schedule requiring at least three days per week at a KHC facility and approximately 20% travel.

The R&D Lead partners with business units, cross-functional teams, plants, and suppliers to develop category strategies and guide projects from concept through commercialization. The role also leads category resource planning and budget management, translates research and technical findings into business recommendations, guides developers through testing and commercialization, and supports product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and speed to market. The position includes leading and developing team members and fostering a high-performing, collaborative, inclusive culture.

This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, and manufacturing facilities; offices are open workspaces. The role is eligible for a performance-based bonus. The new-hire base salary range is $141,500 to $176,900.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field and a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Technical experience in beverages, such as ready-to-drink products, powders, or liquid concentrates.
• Demonstrated experience leading R&D product development and commercialization in a complex, cross-functional environment.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, ingredient interactions, and Design of Experiments.
• Proven ability to develop, coach, and lead others while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Strong project management skills, including managing multiple priorities, allocating resources, assessing risk, and prioritizing work for self and others.
• Self-motivated problem solver able to work independently and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to translate technical findings into clear business opportunities and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, influencing, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to apply scientific principles and prior learning to new challenges and opportunities.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve 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.
• Lead category resource planning and budget management to support business priorities.
• Scope and advance business opportunities by translating research, consumer insights, and technical findings into actionable recommendations.
• Guide developers in designing and executing tests, analyzing data, documenting findings, and commercializing products.
• Establish project priorities, technical timelines, risk assessments, and contingency plans, and provide clear, timely updates to business and R&D leaders.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support commercialization excellence, product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and speed to market.
• Monitor category competitors and identify emerging technologies and external partnerships that can enable differentiated innovation.
• Collaborate with technical experts and category scientists to evaluate technologies, applications, raw materials, and product specifications.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members, build succession plans, and foster a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive culture.

Benefits

• Performance-based bonus
• Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• Medical and prescription drug coverage
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Company holidays
• Leave of absence
• Flexible work arrangements
• Recognition
• Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing programs
• Family support programs
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• Disability coverage
• Screenings and assessments
• Physical, social, emotional, and financial wellbeing resources and learning opportunities

What This Job Offers

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