Sr. Counsel, Regulatory Commercialization

Kraft Heinz•Chicago, IL

1d•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 and vision coverage
7% 401(k) matching
Business Resource Groups (BRGs)
industry-leading total rewards package that emphasizes a high discretionary bonus
Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
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.
Wellbeing: We offer 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