Lead, State Affairs – Remote Hybrid Western Region

State Government Affairs

Remote Hybrid within Western Region

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.

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.

Position Summary

The State Affairs Leader of the West Coast will play a critical role on the State Government Affairs team, driving Kraft Heinz Company's (KHC) state-level advocacy efforts to shape public policy and advance business objectives. This role is instrumental in promoting and protecting KHC's interests in priority states, ultimately contributing to the company's long-term success and growth. This role will report to the Associate Director of State Government Affairs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead government affairs for a region of states to increase KHC's influence on state legislation; set priorities and strategies
• Serve as the primary state lobbyist in priority states: draft/negotiates bill language and amendments, recruit sponsors, deliver testimony, and drive committee/floor outcomes.
• Support and maintain strategic, bipartisan relationships with governors' offices, legislative leadership, and chairs of key committees; develop relationship maps and engagement plans.
• Act as a subject-matter expert in at least two KHC-relevant policy areas; produce position papers, model bill text, executive briefs, and public comments; represent KHC in rule making and stakeholder forums.
• Build and lead coalitions with companies, suppliers, retailers, chambers, NGOs, and trade associations
• Monitor and forecast state legislative, regulatory, and ballot initiatives; provide early-warning alerts with recommended actions.
• Manage external consultants/contract lobbyists, budgets, and performance; ensure state lobbying registrations, reporting, and ethics/pay-to-play compliance.
• Manage cross-functionally (Legal, Regulatory, R&D, Supply Chain, ESG, Commercial, HR, Communications) to support state-level crisis/issue response strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Deep knowledge of state legislative/regulatory processes and state lobbying compliance.
• Exceptional advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills; ability to translate complex policy into clear business implications.
• Strong project, budget, and vendor management; KPI- and outcome-oriented.
• High integrity, nonpartisan judgment, and discretion with sensitive information.
• Willingness to travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (JD, MA, MBA, etc.)
• Corporate experience on a state government affairs team
• Demonstrated senior-level experience within state or local government

Required Experience:

• 8+ years in state government (legislature, governor/AG office, or state agency) or state lobbying experience Proven record drafting/negotiating legislation and regulations, delivering testimony, and securing enactments or defeating…