Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development

The Kraft Heinz Company • Glenview, IL

1d

About The Position

This is a Research and Development (R&D) role leading Product Development initiatives under the Shelf Stable Meals team within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals platform. The role primarily supports the macaroni and cheese business, which includes the Kraft Mac and Cheese, Velveeta Shells and Cheese, and Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese brands. The candidate will be leading and driving technical projects to drive growth, product/pack superiority, and future proofs brands through innovative solutions. The Senior Scientist candidate should have a proven record of successfully leading, executing, and commercializing projects ranging in technical complexity with minimal guidance, and getting results in a variety of challenging and complex settings. The candidate should have experience leading business initiatives while exhibiting a collaborative approach and applying innovative solutions. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic and cross-functional environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s is a Plus) - Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or related fields
• 4+ years Product Development and commercialization experience within a CPG or equivalent
• Project management experience, technical expertise, and food science/processing knowledge
• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem solving skills
• Highly motivated and able to multi-task varying degrees of complex projects
• Willingness/ability to learn new product categories and/or processing areas
• Willingness to travel up to 30%. Travel could include (but not limited to): United States and Canada to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Experience delivering consumer centric, innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize work, and solve problems effectively.
• Brings an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset
• Ability to manage through ambiguity.

Nice To Haves

• Shelf stable meal solutions and side dishes, spray-dry, process cheese, and dry powder blending experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Leads development and execution across multiple projects ranging from low to high technical complexity for the Meals & Kits BU
• Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
• Commercialization: Deep knowledge of commercialization processes and required activities as the technical/R&D lead. Ability to troubleshoot challenges.
• Collaboration: Work with cross functional teams acting as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects
• Communication: Provide updates to cross-functional teams; Identify hurdles and propose solutions
• Use strategy to guide technology choices and unlock innovative solutions
• Translate research findings into meaningful business objectives
• Champion an innovation approach and exhibit influence on the cross functional partners
• Mentor, coach and collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team
• Demonstrate the ability to develop relationships with and coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities.
• Lead and complete product testing, qualification, and commercialization in laboratory and production environments

Benefits

• Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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