Senior Manager, R&D - Pod Lead

Location: Golf

Job Description Are you an innovative food scientist or engineer ready to disrupt the status quo? We are seeking a dynamic Technical Lead to join our Global Innovation R&D team.  In this role, you will collaborate with a cross-functional innovation pod supporting projects within our Taste Elevation platform. You will be tasked to uncover consumer insights and rapidly develop innovative food and packaging solutions.

You will provide hands-on technical leadership through all stages of development, from developing the technical strategy and learning plan to executing early prototypes and subsequent scale-up.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities Ability to translate fuzzy ideas into technical plans and developing testable hypotheses

Ability to manage complex workflows with multiple internal and external partners

Lead iterative product/pack/process development from early prototyping to scalable plant trials

Lead rapid experimentation to validate assumptions and refine product features

Provide guidance to scale up products from bench to plant trials to test market launches

Lead technical team to scale product for test market launch and associated in-market validation (feasibility tests, specifications, supply chain)
Embrace Agile WOW, provide feedback on innovation process

Guide the team on feasibility, product/packaging development, processing, quality, safety, operations, and regulatory requirements.

Generate and execute IP strategies to deliver technically advantaged product solutions

Influence functional partners in Procurement, Legal, Quality and Operations to evolve ways of working

Lead product and package developer support on project tasks and innovation process

Champion Agile methodologies and mentor teammates on technical skills

Understand stage gate process and commercialization process and how to adapt Agile methodologies to existing processes

Expected Experience & Required SkillsBS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Packaging Engineering / Science, Materials Engineering, Food Science, Food Engineering, Consumer Science, or related field Minimum 8 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s or 7 years of relevant experience with Master’s or 6 years of relevant experience with PhDExtensive experience in successfully commercializing products end-to-end in the food or consumer products industry

Can influence stakeholders and evolve processes through strong collaboration skills

Is excited by quick-paced environments and continuous learning

Naturally curious and creative, eager to explore alternative solutions

Empathetic and consumer focused

Experience in translating ambiguity into a concrete plan Brings an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset

Exposure, implemented or led Agile ways of working and strategy

Enjoys mentoring junior scientists through hands-on work experience and collaboration

Work Environment & Schedule This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open work spaces Additionally, this role requires This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center (Glenview, IL).This

job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

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