Sr. Scientist, R&D - Packaging Compliance & Strategy Reporting

The Kraft Heinz Company • Glenview, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Senior Scientist for Packaging Compliance & Strategy Report supporting sustainability reporting and strategy execution, you will lead the planning, coordination, and technical delivery of annual packaging sustainability reporting obligations and related data governance. Success in this role is defined by accurate, on-time reporting, strong data quality and traceability, and clear cross-functional execution of reporting plans and ongoing strategy support.

Requirements

• BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred or related discipline.
• 4+ years of R&D development and commercialization experience in packaging and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred).
• Demonstrated experience supporting R&D specification development and commercialization work.
• General knowledge of packaging materials (flexible films, rigid packaging, fiber, glass, metal, etc.) and packaging manufacturing/converting processes.
• Working knowledge of project execution practices (e.g., timelines, risk identification, stakeholder updates) and ability to manage assigned deliverables.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with cross-functional partners and external suppliers.
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions, material/package industry standards, regulations (as applicable to rigid packaging development work) and Life Cycle Assessment.
• Willingness and ability to travel 5-10% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the packaging technical lead for EPR, source reduction, and eco-modulation readiness, along with other types of packaging specific compliance reporting such as Minimum Recycled Content and Canada Plastics Registry —providing technical strategy, interpretation, alignment to external standards, and guidance to reporting owners.
• Ensure reporting-relevant packaging specifications are accurate and complete by identifying data gaps, translating needed changes to the specification team, and coordinating closure with BU R&D, ESG/Procurement, suppliers, and data management.
• Validate portfolio classification and compliance inputs (e.g., covered material category-CMC assignments) and confirm alignment with internal governance partners and applicable external standards (e.g., APR).
• Partner with BU R&D and the Packaging Lab to validate high-impact packaging components/SKUs and document required corrections to support compliant reporting.
• Support verification/audit readiness by reviewing technical assumptions and calculation inputs, resolving issues, and ensuring consistent methodology application.
• Assess and document which projects/SKUs qualify for source reduction pathways and eco-modulation bonus/malus criteria; define evidence requirements and technical rationale.
• Compile and maintain technical substantiation packages for source reduction and eco-modulation (change summaries, material attributes, recyclability/qualification evidence) in collaboration with BU partners.
• Lead the technical portion of submission readiness for source reduction and eco-modulation, including issue resolution, technical sign-offs, and stakeholder alignment (while reporting teams execute the final data submission).
• Develop and maintain enabling tools and guidance (e.g., eco-modulation decision tree, impact estimation tool) and establish tracking inputs/processes to improve future-cycle performance.

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