Manager, R&D - Product Dev

Job Description

Manager, R&D - Product Development

This is a Research and Development Manager role in the Meals & Kits Technical Platform, leading Innovation for the Lunchables category. The role is responsible for delivery of business unit NSV, CMA, and EBITDA through leadership of activities for Innovation and strategic initiatives. This individual interfaces extensively with key stakeholders of all levels of leadership and across multiple functions including R&D, Quality, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and all functions within Supply Chain team (Procurement, Manufacturing and Customer Service & Logistics). Additionally, this role will be responsible for providing technical leadership across all phases of projects. A growth mindset is essential for this role.  

Responsibilities: 

• Directly lead a team of 4 product developers 

• Deliver the strategic plans for the category across Growth 

• Participate in building the Consumer Learning Plans for the category  

• Assist in scoping and facilitating business opportunities 

• Participate in Stage Gate meetings, providing R&D input  

• Work directly with the business units, cross-functional teams, plants, and suppliers as the R&D category manager to manage projects and direct developers 

• Manage the resources and budget for the category  

• Collaborate with teams to understand and ensure product quality and food safety requirements are defined and delivered through the completion of raw material, finished product and quality specifications that deliver consistent, high-quality products 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (Masters is a plus) - Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering 

• 6+ years of experience in the food industry preferred 

• Demonstrated people leadership and strong ability to build effective teams 

• Growth mindset 

• Challenge self and others to see and apply new insights 

• Strong experience in commercialization  

• Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality 

• Self-motivated problem solver and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex, fast-paced environment 

• Excellent influencing skills  

• Willingness to travel 20% pending business needs. Travel could include (but not limited to): within United States and Canada to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers. 

Kraft Heinz is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for the MBA opportunities, regardless of race, religion, faith, creed, age, ethnicity, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Job seekers with disabilities