Logo
Heinz

Sr Scientist, R&D - Product Development

Heinz, Glenview, Illinois, United States, 60025

Save Job

Job Description Sr Scientist, R&D Product Development:

Are you passionate about Food innovation and ready to make a significant impact on iconic brands? Join the dynamic and cross‑functional team at Kraft Heinz Research & Development as a Sr Scientist! We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead product development projects across both our Cream Cheese category and Kraft Heinz Not Co Joint Venture. The candidate will be leading and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on growth, productivity, ESG, and brand maintenance.

As a Sr Scientist, you will have the opportunity to drive innovation, renovation, and maintenance of the brand, enabling growth, ensuring quality objectives and business continuity for Kraft Heinz. This technical leadership role will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our food solutions.

The candidate should have experience leading and executing business initiatives across dairy platforms 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.

What’s on the menu?

The candidate will independently lead product development projects from formulation through scale up and start up

Responsible for commercialization of new and reformulated products and successful transition from development to production

Conduct lab tests, pilot plant and large‑scale tests within manufacturing facilities to optimize formulation and/or process

Manage technical timelines, provide clear and timely communication, raise issues and risks, and develop contingency plans leveraging strong project management skills

Conduct appropriate testing and develop recommendations/contingency plans based on findings

Work with cross‑functional teams acting as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects

Write specifications that deliver consistent, high‑quality products

Act as a R&D point person for the manufacturing plant and assist plant operations with trouble shooting, design and/or product quality related issues. Support general brand maintenance to ensure business continuity across multiple categories as needed

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

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

Monitor emerging trends and competitive activities in their categories of responsibility

Assist in scoping “fuzzy” front innovation ideas and participate/influence ideation sessions

Mentor, coach and collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team

Recipe for Success: Apply now if this sounds like you!

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s is a Plus) – Dairy Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or related fields

Experience with cheese and dairy ingredients or products, formulations and manufacturing processes or dairy science education

Agile mindset and knowledge of Agile commercialization practices

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

Deep knowledge of commercialization processes and the ability to troubleshoot challenges

Minimum 5+ years Product Development Experience within a CPG or equivalent

Ability to work effectively in a team environment

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 and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex environment

Experience developing and executing work plans and driving for results in a variety of challenging and complex settings

Excellent verbal and written communication

Executional excellence, personal leadership and customer focus

Ability to learn new products and processes quickly

Willingness to travel up to 30%. Travel could include (but not limited to): United States and Canada internal plants, co‑manufacturers, and suppliers

New Hire Base Salary Range: $88,000.00 - $110,000.00

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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

#J-18808-Ljbffr