Manager, R&D – Packaging Margin Enhancement
Listed on 2026-09-22
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Engineering
Operations Management
- Lead medium-to-high complexity packaging productivity projects across all categories and provide technical direction to developers from concept through commercialization
- Design and oversee plant-scale packaging tests and guide developers in data analysis, conclusions, documentation, and results communication
- Translate R&D findings into quantifiable business opportunities and present recommendations to cross-functional and BU leadership
- Partner with suppliers, plants, co-manufacturers, and internal technical experts to evaluate and implement packaging technologies and materials
- Ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and embedded into specifications, delivering consistent, consumer-ready products
- Serve as a primary R&D point of contact for BU R&D Leads, maintaining regular, transparent communication on project status and risks
- Support cross-functional teams (Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations) to drive speed-to-market on packaging initiatives
- Own project timelines, risk assessments, issue escalation, and contingency planning across a portfolio of concurrent initiatives
- Manage team budgets and resource allocation to ensure delivery of in-year and pipeline projects
- Guide developers through project commercialization activities with strong technical rigor, ensuring statistical tools, technical excellence methods, and documentation best practices are consistently applied.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of junior packaging developers through structured development plans, workload balancing, and performance feedback
- Elevate team capability through training, stretch assignments, and external industry networking
- Foster a culture of inclusion, sustainability, continuous learning, and owner-mentality
Physical demands include but not limited to Lift up to 30 lbs, navigate lab, storage, and manufacturing environments.
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.
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
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field…
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