General information

All posting locations: Glenview, Illinois, United States of America...

Job Function: 10 - R&D

Date Published: 06-Feb-2023

Ref #: R-66300

Description & Requirements

This is a Research and Development (R&D) Packaging technical role- in the ESG Technology Packaging Group. This position offers the candidate an excellent opportunity to identify- drive and lead innovative and disruptive packaging material technology initiatives (for innovation- productivity and sustainability) that will be instrumental in delivering novel- functional- cost competitive solutions that support our packaging sustainability commitments across the Kraft Heinz portfolio.

Role / Title
• The role includes identifying material/polymer/packaging technology solutions and research pathways- and leading proof of concept- technology scale up- and seamless transition of technologies to the business units.
• This individual must have strong technical skills and be able to link technologies to applications- while demonstrating intellectual curiosity- problem solving- leadership- and project management skills.
• This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently with a high degree of autonomy.
• Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.

Key Components of the role
• Work with internal and external teams and cross functional partners to understand opportunities and build solid plans with defined timing and deliverables
• Build and coordinate relationships with suppliers and technology partners to drive technology pathways
• Work with external resin- coating- material- film manufacturers- as well as universities- institutes- start-ups to define and direct research and development of materials to meet specific platform and application needs
• Execute research plans- including patent/literature reviews- tech documentation- prototyping- lab testing- qualification on pilot and/or production equipment at vendor or at Kraft Heinz
• Translate research findings into meaningful recommendations- communicating results and driving decisions and technology adoption
• Pilot and scale technology for packaging lead applications- to demonstrate viability for further adoption
• Represent KHC in relevant external industry collaborations and partnerships across the value chain
• Act as Subject Matter Expert- leading and driving functional training and process improvements for the pkg organization
• Act as technical expert for junior developers and flex onto projects requiring problem solving
• Manage multiple/large initiatives with complex scopes and/or cross enterprise applicability concurrently
• Have a high degree of autonomy

Qualifications:
• MS/PhD with polymers/materials focus in Packaging- Materials- Chemical Engineering or related field
• Minimum 6 years of experience in academia and industry (which can include post-doc work and/or internships/co-ops)
• Expert understanding of packaging materials- polymers- functionality- qualification and commercialization of plastics- coatings- barriers- design of experiments- technical problem solving and ability to coach others in these areas
• Prefer understanding of ESG/Packaging Sustainability technologies and external partnerships and ability to coach others in these areas
• Strong track record of championing innovation and packaging technology- driving to successful execution
• Excellent- proven communication (presentations to global teams- senior leadership)- influencing- project/platform management and problem-solving skills
• Strong ability to lead- coach and motivate others
• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to prioritize work for self and others.
• Influence across packaging value chain internally and externally
• Willingness to travel 30%

#LI-Hybrid

About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.

Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We’re proud of where we’ve been – and even more thrilled about where we’re headed – as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy and Collaboration

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food.

Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment

We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration, connection & community as an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace. A majority of our office-based employees will be able to work remotely for up to two days each week. Additionally, employees who are subject to this hybrid model will be eligible to work from anywhere for up to six weeks in a rolling 12-month period (in maximum two-week increments and according to benefits and tax guidelines). Some jobs may be required to be performed fully in office depending on the role’s responsibilities and requirements.

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
Glenview IL USA

Salary Criteria