Sr Manager, R&D - Sensory Center of Excellence

The Kraft Heinz Company•Glenview, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Sensory Center of Excellence (CoE) Manager, you will serve as a key strategic partner and technical lead for sensory science within Kraft Heinz’s North American Zone (NAZ). This role is dedicated to providing expert sensory guidance and fostering a collaborative environment where scientific data helps drive product excellence. As the leader of this specialized CoE, you will focus on growing and mentoring a talented team of sensory professionals. Your goal is to provide the R&D organization with the "sensory source of truth”, delivering clear, actionable recommendations through a consultative approach that ensures our products are consistently best-in-class.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related Physical Science required.
Minimum 8 years of experience in Sensory Science or Sensory Research within an FMCG/CPG environment (Food & Beverage preferred).
Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, and inspire technical teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
Experience developing and managing product benchmarking programs that generate long-term insights and value for the organization.
Strong ability to translate complex sensory results into clear, actionable insights for cross-functional partners.
Experience leveraging modern sensory software and digital data platforms to enhance the accuracy, speed, and strategic impact of sensory research.
Ability to influence and guide others through expertise, credibility, and partnership rather than authority, while maintaining a people-first leadership approach.
Demonstrates a proactive mindset toward evolving processes, adopting new technologies, and driving operational improvements, while leading teams through change.
Ability to connect sensory activities (e.g., profiling, mapping, and benchmarking) to broader R&D strategy and long-term business objectives.
Strong commitment to accurate, unbiased data and scientific rigor to inform product and business decisions.
Deep expertise in sensory methodologies (including QDA) and the ability to translate complex data into clear narratives and strategic recommendations.
Proven success working across internal R&D teams and external partners to integrate sensory insights into the product development lifecycle.
Experience with RedJade (or similar sensory LIMS) and XLSTAT, R, or other statistical sensory analysis tools.
Active participation in professional sensory science organizations (e.g., SSP, ASTM, IFT) to bring external insights and best practices into the organization.

Nice To Haves

Master's or PhD degree in Sensory Science or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the growth and professional development of a high-performing sensory team, focusing on coaching sensory scientists and panel leaders through mentorship and technical support.
Foster a team environment rooted in scientific curiosity and cross-functional partnership, ensuring the sensory team is an accessible and vital resource for the broader R&D community.
Optimize CoE workflows by integrating advanced digital tools and automation; evaluate and implement new sensory methodologies that reduce testing cycles and improve data reliability.
Spearhead the Yearly Product Profiling Program by designing and executing complex Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) studies.
Partner with R&D to establish a systematic rhythm for mapping the portfolio against market standards, translating technical sensory fingerprints into strategic roadmaps for product optimization and innovation.
Serve as a trusted consultant for R&D project teams, offering expert recommendations on methodology—including discrimination, descriptive, and sensory screenings—to ensure project objectives are met with scientific integrity.
Facilitate the adoption of best practices in sensory science across the zone, ensuring methodologies are reliable, reproducible, and aligned with industry standards.
Translate complex sensory data into meaningful guidance that helps R&D partners refine product design principles and optimize formulations.
Work closely with legal and regulatory partners to provide the sensory data needed to support product claims and benefits in a scientifically sound manner.
Represent the North American CoE within the Global Sensory Excellence network, contributing to a global community of practice and staying informed on emerging sensory trends and technologies.
Represent Kraft Heinz in professional organizations and at industry conferences.
Build and maintain strong relationships with external sensory partners, ensuring agility and specialized support for complex projects.

Benefits

Affordable access to healthcare
Protection
Saving for the future
Plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs
Events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle
Medical
Prescription Drug
Dental
Vision
Screenings/Assessments
Paid Time Off
Company Holidays
Leave of Absence
Flexible Work Arrangements
Recognition
Training
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing Programs
Family Support Programs
401k
Life
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Disability