Sr. Counsel, Regulatory Commercialization

The Kraft Heinz Company • Chicago, IL

3d • $164,200 - $205,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Counsel, Regulatory Commercialization is a senior legal and regulatory leader with a central role in leading and strengthening the capability of the Food Regulatory team. This role provides strategic legal and regulatory counsel across a broad range of food law, labeling, claims, ingredients, commercialization, and compliance matters, while helping the team operate as trusted business partners to the business. This leader will help build a team of strong technical experts who use sound judgment, influence, and a practical, business-oriented mindset to support business priorities through sound risk management. Working closely with cross-functional partners including Marketing, R&D, Product Development, Quality, and Legal, this role will help shape the expectations, direction, and operating norms that enable both strong compliance and strong business partnership. This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite weekly at our offices in Chicago or Pittsburgh.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school required
• Active Bar membership in good standing required
• Significant legal experience in food law, regulatory, and compliance matters, preferably in-house, at a law firm, in government, or in a combination of those settings
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing regulatory teams, including setting direction, building capability, strengthening judgment, and driving accountability and performance
• Strong knowledge of federal and state food law requirements, including FDA and/or USDA regulatory frameworks
• Meaningful experience advising on labeling, claims, ingredients, commercialization, packaging, food safety, and broader food regulatory compliance matters
• Proven ability to build team capability in regulatory judgment, risk management, influence, and recommendation quality
• Excellent oral and written communication, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal and regulatory advice and recommendations
• Strong business acumen and sound judgment, with the ability to balance legal and regulatory risk with business priorities in a dynamic environment
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust, influence senior stakeholders, and develop strong cross-functional relationships across the organization
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to build consensus, challenge the status quo, and drive change effectively
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and discretion, including the ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• Commitment to continuous learning, development, and capability building across the team

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop members of the Food Regulatory team, building a high-performing organization with clear expectations, strong accountability, and ongoing talent development
• Strengthen team capability in regulatory judgment, risk management, influence, and recommendation quality so the team can partner more effectively with the business
• Set clear expectations, priorities, and operating norms across the team to improve consistency, decision-making, and overall impact
• Provide strategic legal and regulatory counsel on federal and state food law requirements, including ingredients, formulas, claims, labeling, packaging, commercialization, food safety, and marketing
• Advise cross-functional stakeholders by assessing and communicating legal and regulatory risks, opportunities, and emerging developments, and providing practical decision-ready guidance, mitigation strategies, and recommendations that enable sound business decisions
• Navigate complex and ambiguous regulatory matters, including claims substantiation, labeling issues, ingredient and additive questions, food safety considerations, packaging-related requirements, and other evolving developments
• Prepare and support Kraft Heinz legal and regulatory positions in collaboration with cross-functional partners, including engagement with regulators, outside counsel, trade associations, and other external stakeholders as appropriate
• Help improve regulatory processes, tools, governance models, and operating practices that drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability
• Contribute as a senior leader within the broader Food Law and Regulation organization by sharing expertise, elevating talent, and strengthening enterprise capability

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision coverage
• 7% 401(k) matching
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs)
• industry-leading total rewards package that emphasizes a high discretionary bonus
• holistic wellness benefits and perks
• Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
• events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
• 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: Senior