Research Lead, R&D – Process Technology Enabler Group

The Kraft Heinz Company • Glenview, IL

3d

About The Position

This is a Research and Development (R&D) Lead role in the North American Process Technology organization responsible for identifying, researching, validating, and delivering technology enablers that unlock manufacturing network efficiencies and capability, resolve service and quality challenges, and enable growth & ESG initiatives. This position requires an individual to manage, guide and lead a team of 3 to 6 individuals with direct and indirect reporting structure. Responsibilities include project management, project execution, professional development, career planning, performance appraisals, motivating, influencing, and inspiring others. Individual will partner with cross-functional teams to support business case development and execute projects to deliver the organization’s strategic plan while providing coaching and guidance within the Process Technology organization and broadly across R&D.

Requirements

• BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Minimum 10+ years of engineering and technical experience with significant time spent on food process engineering, new technologies research, and equipment optimization
• Experience managing a team of engineering or R&D professionals within the food & beverage industry
• Strong understanding of process and product interactions within food systems
• Expert understanding of continuous improvement principles, process capability, and associated tools
• Track record of implementing complex pilot and commercial scale processing solutions
• Proven communication and influencing skills with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Demonstrated project management capability with experience leading cross-functional initiatives from end-to-end
• Expert understanding of equipment & process transformations used in food manufacturing
• Experience in equipment research, data analysis and problem-solving
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple short and long-term technical projects
• Strong background of coaching, mentoring and leading training programs
• Willingness to travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

• Research and develop new systems and technology to deliver zone growth plan
• Identify novel solutions to build process technology pipeline
• Guide process equipment optimization at internal and external manufacturing facilities
• Support equipment installation execution including factory acceptance tests, commissioning, and startups
• Prepare equipment specifications and process design scopes to support detailed engineering and procurement sourcing actions
• Participate in or lead technical commercialization excellence reviews and champion best practices and ways of working across the R&D function
• Build relationships with, interface, and influence cross-functional teams, vendors, industry associations, external experts, non-government organizations, and academic institutions to deliver business results
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to R&D teams and developers regarding process technology, capital management, process optimization, engineering design, new equipment designs, quality improvements, and pilot plant scalability
• Support career development (skills, competencies) of direct and indirect reports
• Drive pilot scale operations to enable test & learn and small scale test market capabilities
• Concurrently, lead or manage multiple large initiatives with complex scopes or cross enterprise impact
• Participate in technical and design reviews to assess internal and external proposals to support delivery of the zone strategic plan
• Help develop organizational standards and leverage industry best practices
• This role will serve as the critical linkage between Operations/Engineering/R&D to identify, design and implement modernization of our lines to unlock efficiencies, growth and ESG goals. Engagement with Plant Managers, Plant Quality Managers, Supply Chain Development Leads, Manufacturing Leads, Engineering, line operators & supervisors, maintenance & maintenance supervisors, financial analysts, R&D developers, R&D category leads, and R&D subject matter experts

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree