Sr. Scientist, R&D - Product Development

Kraft Heinz • Glenview, IL

3d

About The Position

Sr Scientist Product Development This is a Research and Development (R&D) role leading Product Development initiatives under the Easy Ready Meals team within the Hydration, Desserts, and Meals platform. We’re looking for a talented individual to lead product development initiatives working on beloved brands like Ore Ida, Devour and Bagel Bites. The candidate will be leading and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on growth, productivity, and brand maintenance. 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, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related fields
• 4+ years Product Development and commercialization experience within a CPG or equivalent
• Experience with developing and commercializing frozen potato and/or frozen meals & snacks products.
• 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 to travel up to 30%. Travel could include (but not limited to): 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

• Experience with identifying and executing margin improvement projects preferred.
• Familiarity with Sensory testing methods and test design.
• Master’s is a Plus

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Leads development and execution across multiple projects ranging from low to high technical complexity for the Easy Ready Meals Business Unit.
• 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
• 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.
• 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