Senior Manager, R&D – Consumer Experience

Job Purpose  

​​As the Senior Manager, NA R&D – Consumer Experience, you will lead Consumer Experience execution for a portfolio of brands within the Kraft Heinz North American Zone (NAZ). You will be responsible for translating consumer needs into product design, technical requirements, and experience models that enable winning renovation and innovation across Food, Beverage, Snacks, and adjacent categories. This role leads a team of Consumer Experience scientists and partners closely with Marketing, Innovation, Insights, and R&D leaders in Product Design, Process Development, and Packaging to create, develop, and qualify products and packages that meet consumer needs and business objectives. The Senior Manager is accountable for day-to-day Consumer Experience delivery, people leadership, and ensuring projects enter and exit development with clear, validated consumer experience direction.​  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities  

• ​​Lead a high-performing Consumer Experience team that enables strong renovation and innovation outcomes. 

• ​Translate consumer needs, behaviors, and Jobs-to-Be-Done into clear product and experience requirements. 

• ​Design and execute consumer learning plans to support renovation, innovation, and technology platforms. 

• ​Partner with R&D, Brand, Innovation, and Sensory teams to guide concept, prototype, and experience validation. 

• ​Build and deploy consumer models, frameworks, and tools that support product development and qualification. 

• ​Coach and develop Consumer Experience scientists in research design, insight quality, and business influence. 

• ​Identify emerging consumer needs and trends that inform future Jobs-to-Be-Done and innovation opportunities. 

• ​Prioritize work, manage resources, and ensure projects are delivered on time and to quality expectations. 

• ​Provide technical and business judgment to guide product and portfolio decisions. 

• ​Foster a culture of consumer centricity, learning, and innovation within R&D.​ 

People Management Responsibilities 

• Team (salaried): 3 to 4 direct reports.  

Expected Experience & Required Skills 

• ​​Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Science (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Design, etc.) or Consumer Psychology disciplines 

• ​Minimum 8+ years of relevant experience with Bachelor’s or 7+ years of relevant experience with Master’s or 6+ years of relevant experience with PhD