As the Sustainability & Materials Center of Excellence (CoE) P ackaging Leader, you will lead a team of technical ex p erts responsible for developing packaging solutions to serve the North American portfolio. The team’s objective is to develop material and format solutions in flexibles, thermoforms and rigid packaging that meet sustainability requirements , while supporting innovation, compliance and value engineering initiatives . In this role, you will be responsible for the team to develop and lead technical strategies to deliver novel, functional and cost competitive solutions. Y ou will partner with the Innovation, Process and Platform packaging team s as well as cross functional stakeholders to translate technical and sustainability requirements into commercially viable , manufacturable solutions . The role includes identifying material/polymer/packaging technology solutions and research pathways, leading proof of concept and technology scale up, and enabling seamless transition of technologies to the business units . The ideal candidate combines deep technical packaging expertise with strong sustainability knowledge and proven experience managing complex projects and technical teams .
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Lead and prioritize a portfolio of complex packaging technology strategies and initiatives by balancing technology exploration with proof of concept of novel technologies . Manage complex partnerships across the value chain to demonstrat e value and business case , address technical hurdles, drive speed to market and enable competitive advantage .
Build , coordinate and manage relationships and partnerships with suppliers and technology p roviders ( including resin, coating, material, film manufacturers ) and with universities, institutes, start-ups , open innovation networks , and scouting partners to define research and develop materials to meet specific platform and application needs
Direct the team to build and e xecute research plans, including tech nical documentation, prototyping, lab testing, qualification on pilot and/or production equipment at vendor or at Kraft Heinz
Own project and portfolio -level budgets, resourcing strategies and capacity planning to ensur e delivery within approved financial guardrails. Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, budgets and resource allocations to monitor progress , assess risk , escalate tradeoffs, and drive corrective actions .
Serve as an accountable owner for governance, escalation and go/no-go decisions . Represent packaging in steering forums and influenc e stakeholders. Provide technical leadership and oversight on pack ag ing reviews to ensur e design decisions align with enterprise standards, manufacturability, sustainability, and long-term platform strategy
People Management Responsibilities
Key Outputs & Deliverables
Lead and deploy a team of packaging technical experts to successfully deliver 20 to 30 concurrent complex packaging technology projects annually across flexible, rigid and thermoform material s and formats, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets from concept through proof of concept and handover.
Deliver packaging designs to Performance-Based Specifications (PBS), ensuring solutions meet defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance outcomes ( rather than prescriptive designs ) .
Build and sustain a high-performing packaging technical team, with clear capability deployment across the portfolio, improved bench strength, and consistent application of enterprise packaging standards. Manage, coach, mentor and retain employees, including goal-setting, performance management, salary planning and hiring.
Expected Experience & Required Skills
Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end development projects , identifying and driving packaging technology initiatives , leading strong external partnership relationships and coordinating cross - functional teams.
Strong technical knowledge of materials ( polymers, plastic components, flexible materials, fiber components, barrier coatings, etc . ) , converting processes (e.g., cartoning , filling , web handling , label ing , molding ), printing, bottle closure and dispensing systems and manufacturing constraints.
Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center ( Glenview , IL ) .
Physical demands include but not limited to
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.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$164,200.00 - $205,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
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.
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
Location(s)
Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.
