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Kraft Heinz

Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development

Kraft Heinz, Glenview, Illinois, United States, 60025

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Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development

Kraft Heinz

— Job Description Are you passionate about food innovation and ready to make a significant impact on iconic brands? Kraft Heinz Research & Development is seeking a Sr Scientist to lead product development projects across the Cream Cheese category within the Elevation Platform, working with brands like Philadelphia. The candidate will lead technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on growth, productivity, ESG, and brand maintenance. The role provides technical leadership to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of the brand, ensuring quality objectives and business continuity for Kraft Heinz. This position operates in a dynamic, cross-functional environment and requires collaboration across dairy platforms, operations, Center R&D, US Business Units, equipment vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Marketing. Opportunities Elevation - Philadelphia

Responsibilities

Independently lead product development projects from formulation through scale up and startup

Own commercialization of new and reformulated products and manage transitions from development to production

Lead cross-functional teams to drive execution across multiple projects

Act as R&D point person for the manufacturing plant; assist with troubleshooting, design, and product quality issues; support brand maintenance for business continuity

Collaborate with Operations, Center R&D, US Business Units, vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and Marketing to drive results

Interface with technical experts and category scientists to understand technologies and applications

Manage technical timelines, communicate risks, and develop contingency plans with strong project management

Monitor emerging trends and competitive activities in responsible categories

Conduct testing and provide recommendations based on findings

Participate in scoping early innovation ideas and ideation sessions

Conduct lab tests, pilot plant tests, and large-scale tests to optimize formulation and process

Write specifications to deliver high-quality products

Mentor and collaborate with colleagues across teams

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) in Dairy Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related fields

Experience with cheese and dairy ingredients/products, formulations, and manufacturing processes

Project management experience, technical expertise, and food science/processing knowledge

Strong understanding of commercialization processes and troubleshooting

Minimum 5+ years of Product Development experience in a CPG or equivalent

Ability to work effectively in a team environment and in cross-functional settings

Knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing

Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality; executional excellence and personal leadership

Self-motivated problem solver with the ability to deliver objectives in a complex environment

Experience developing and executing work plans and driving results in challenging settings

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to learn new products and processes quickly

Willingness to travel up to 30% (travel may include US and Canada plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers)

Location Glenview, IL – Kraft Heinz Research & Development Center

Compensation and Benefits New Hire Base Salary Range: $88,000.00 – $110,000.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as per plan terms and governing documents.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits; wellbeing programs; specifics vary by role, country, region, and other factors.

Equal Opportunity Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – supporting underrepresented groups. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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