Job Description

Sr. Scientist, R&D - Product Development

About Us 

The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We’re a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. While Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands. 

We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Planters, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others.  

No matter the brand, we’re united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we’re transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there’s only one thing to do: join our table and let’s make life delicious! 

Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration 

We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You’re expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you’ll be rewarded. You’re given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won’t do it alone.  You’re supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress. 

Role    

This is a technical leadership role providing direction for and execution of projects across our North American – Elevate Growth Team.  The candidate will be identifying, scoping and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on innovation and renovation.  

This candidate should have a proven record of executing work plans and driving for results.  This includes understanding the business need, designing, and executing tests, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, documenting, communicating results, and commercializing products.  Proven communication and teamwork skills are essential in this role, which operates in a cross-functional environment.  

The candidate must also have a strong technical background and be able to apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations. This position requires an individual to manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance. Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.    

Key Components     

• Responsible for developing and commercializing new products and renovating existing products across the Sauces & Condiments portfolio.     

• The candidate will be scoping and/or driving highly technical and complex projects to meet the business’ platform and innovation objectives.        

• Opportunity to mentor and coach junior developers  

• Conduct feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, supervision of factory trials, development of recipe and factory documentation, recipe and label development, technical approval, shelf-life assessment and technical support for initial factory production.    

• Apply prior learning or scientific principles to new situations.    

• Manage multiple assignments/ tasks concurrently and demonstrate the ability to complete work with minimal guidance.    

• Exhibiting a collaborative mindset and applying innovative solutions are a must.    

Requirements    

• BS, MS, or PhD in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field 

• Relevant experience required: Bachelor's degree (4+ years), Masters degree (3+ years), or PhD (2+ years) 

• Solid understanding of food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing    

• Sauce and condiment experience preferred   

• Experience with clean label and natural ingredients  

• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients, process, and packaging.  

• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem-solving skills    

• Ability to lead, coach and motivate others.   

• Manage multiple assignments/tasks concurrently with the ability to question the priority of work    

• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments    

• Willingness to travel 30%  (both and air travel and driving up to 4 hours) 

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:

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)

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.