Principal Scientist, R&D - Packaging Sustainability

Job Description

Principal Scientist, Packaging Sustainability

About the Role

The Principal Scientist, Packaging Sustainability will be a key technical leadership role supporting the Hydration, Desserts & Meals (HDM) business at Kraft Heinz. This role is responsible for shaping and executing the sustainability strategy for HDM packaging—ensuring our portfolio is future-ready, compliant, and aligned with evolving global regulations and consumer expectations.

You’ll partner closely with Marketing, Procurement, Regulatory, and R&D to integrate sustainability principles into innovation and renovation pipelines, identify and mitigate environmental and sourcing risks, and drive new material and design solutions that deliver both environmental and business value.

• Develop and lead the HDM Packaging Sustainability & ESG Roadmap, ensuring alignment with Kraft Heinz’s global sustainability goals and the business’s 10-year strategic plan.
• Advise category teams on the implications of global and regional packaging regulations (e.g., EPR, recyclability mandates, plastic reduction targets) and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Work with cross functional teams, acting as a lead packaging developer to drive execution across multiple projects to help HDM portfolio meet or exceed sustainability or circulatory goals.
• Partner with Procurement and R&D to mitigate ESG-related packaging risks by developing alternatives to components with single sourcing, constrained capacity, or regulatory exposure—ensuring long-term supply security and compliance.
• Represent HDM in cross-category sustainability councils and corporate ESG initiatives to ensure alignment, visibility, and knowledge sharing across the enterprise.
• Simplify and communicate complex technical or regulatory findings to marketing and business partners—clarifying the “why” and articulating business impact and opportunity.
• Stay informed on emerging sustainability trends, materials science advances, and recycling infrastructure developments relevant to HDM products and packaging systems.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with external organizations, suppliers, recyclers, and industry consortiums to accelerate sustainable packaging solutions.
• Coach and mentor junior scientists and packaging engineers to integrate sustainability thinking into daily packaging development work.

• BS/MS in Packaging, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, or a related technical field.
• 7–10 years of experience in packaging development, sustainability strategy, or materials innovation within consumer packaged goods or related industries.
• Deep expertise in developing and commercializing sustainable packaging materials, recyclability design principles, and circular economy concepts.
• Working knowledge of global packaging regulations and sustainability frameworks (e.g., EPR, GHG accounting, recyclability labeling, and packaging waste directives).
• Ability to translate scientific and regulatory data into clear, actionable business strategies.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Power Point and Excel
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

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. 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…