Principal Scientist, R&D - Packaging Sustainability

The Kraft Heinz Company • Glenview, IL

58d

About The Position

The Principal Scientist, Packaging Sustainability will be a key technical leadership role supporting the Hydration, Desserts & Meals (HDM) business at Kraft Heinz. This role is responsible for shaping and executing the sustainability strategy for HDM packaging-ensuring our portfolio is future-ready, compliant, and aligned with evolving global regulations and consumer expectations. You'll partner closely with Marketing, Procurement, Regulatory, and R&D to integrate sustainability principles into innovation and renovation pipelines, identify and mitigate environmental and sourcing risks, and drive new material and design solutions that deliver both environmental and business value.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, or a related technical field.
• 7-10 years of experience in packaging development, sustainability strategy, or materials innovation within consumer packaged goods or related industries.
• Deep expertise in developing and commercializing sustainable packaging materials, recyclability design principles, and circular economy concepts.
• Working knowledge of global packaging regulations and sustainability frameworks (e.g., EPR, GHG accounting, recyclability labeling, and packaging waste directives).
• Ability to translate scientific and regulatory data into clear, actionable business strategies.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Power Point and Excel
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the HDM Packaging Sustainability & ESG Roadmap, ensuring alignment with Kraft Heinz's global sustainability goals and the business's 10-year strategic plan.
• Advise category teams on the implications of global and regional packaging regulations (e.g., EPR, recyclability mandates, plastic reduction targets) and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Work with cross functional teams, acting as a lead packaging developer to drive execution across multiple projects to help HDM portfolio meet or exceed sustainability or circulatory goals.
• Partner with Procurement and R&D to mitigate ESG-related packaging risks by developing alternatives to components with single sourcing, constrained capacity, or regulatory exposure-ensuring long-term supply security and compliance.
• Represent HDM in cross-category sustainability councils and corporate ESG initiatives to ensure alignment, visibility, and knowledge sharing across the enterprise.
• Simplify and communicate complex technical or regulatory findings to marketing and business partners-clarifying the "why" and articulating business impact and opportunity.
• Stay informed on emerging sustainability trends, materials science advances, and recycling infrastructure developments relevant to HDM products and packaging systems.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with external organizations, suppliers, recyclers, and industry consortiums to accelerate sustainable packaging solutions.
• Coach and mentor junior scientists and packaging engineers to integrate sustainability thinking into daily packaging development work.

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.
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees