Director, R&D - Product Development - Beverages

Job Description

Director, Product Development – Beverages

Kraft Heinz seeks an innovative leader to lead all aspects of R&D for our Beverages portfolio. You will lead a team of experts to drive new product development, process improvements, and technology adoption across North America.

• You will be an inspiring leader that tracks both consumer trends and technical innovations to push forward new ways of bringing products to market via process optimizations, new ingredient or equipment technologies, or creative extensions of current portfolio.
• You will be a strong leader, and cross‑functional collaborator with other business teams and partners in the product development process, including category management, culinary, packaging, marketing, sales, and global business partners.
• You will lead multiple assignments/development projects concurrently to meet R&D timelines.
• You will engage with internal and external groups to establish relationships with internal teams, suppliers, key customer contacts, industry groups, and universities.

• I have a wide depth of R&D and technical service experience in the beverage industry (12+ years).
• I have a strong background in product development and a consistent track record of leading successful R&D teams.
• I have a strong understanding of ingredient functionality and the interrelationship of ingredients, processing, and packaging.
• I have experience leading large teams (15+ people) and managing leaders.
• I excel working with a diverse array of personnel, from product developers to global leadership.
• I am willing and able to travel approximately 30% of the time for site visits and meetings with vendors.
• I ensure consistency and accountability for my own and my team’s results.
• I am able to traverse my work environment, sustained up to 1/3 of my working hours.
• I am able to perform sedentary work: occasionally exerting 0‑10 lbs. of force, limited movement from my workstation for brief periods of time.

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  for assistance.

New Hire Base Salary Range: $184,800 – $231,000

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

Long‑Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.

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.

Well‑being: 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, Well‑being Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact