Lead R&D - Product Development

Job Description

Job Purpose 

​​The R&D Lead for the Hydration Beverages business unit will drive near-, mid-, and long-term product development strategies for brands including Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, and Mio. This role oversees innovation, renovation, productivity, service continuity, and other key initiatives across North America while providing strategic direction, technical coaching, and team development. The ideal candidate has a strong technical background, a learning mindset, and the ability to apply scientific principles in a dynamic, cross-functional environment. Based at the Glenview, IL Innovation Center, the role follows a flexible hybrid schedule requiring at least three days per week at a KHC facility and approximately 20% travel.​ 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities 

• ​​Serve as the R&D category lead, partnering with business units, cross-functional teams, plants, and suppliers to develop category strategies and guide projects from concept through commercialization.

• ​Lead category resource planning and budget management to support business priorities.

• ​Scope and advance business opportunities by translating research, consumer insights, and technical findings into actionable recommendations.

• ​Guide developers in designing and executing tests, analyzing data, documenting findings, and commercializing products.

• ​Establish project priorities, technical timelines, risk assessments, and contingency plans while providing clear, timely updates to business and R&D leaders.

• ​Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure commercialization excellence, product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and speed to market.

• ​Monitor category competitors and identify emerging technologies and external partnerships that can enable differentiated innovation.

• ​Collaborate with technical experts and category scientists to evaluate technologies, applications, raw materials, and product specifications.

• ​Lead, coach, and develop team members while building succession plans and fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive culture. 
  ​

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• ​​Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

• ​Technical experience in Beverages such as ready-to-drink products, powders, or liquid concentrates.

• ​Demonstrated experience leading R&D product development and commercialization in a complex, cross-functional environment.

• ​Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, ingredient interactions, and Design of Experiments.

• ​Proven ability to develop, coach, and lead others while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

• ​Strong project management skills, including managing multiple priorities, allocating resources, assessing risk, and prioritizing work for self and others.

• ​Self-motivated problem solver with the ability to work independently and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

• ​Ability to translate technical findings into clear business opportunities and actionable recommendations.

• ​Excellent written and verbal communication, influencing, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

• ​Ability to apply scientific principles and prior learning to new challenges and opportunities.

• ​Willingness to travel up to 20% based on business needs.​

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a ​Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces​ Additionally, this role ​is based at the Glenview, IL Innovation Center, follows a flexible hybrid schedule requiring at least three days per week at a KHC facility and approximately 20% travel.​ 

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:

$141,500.00 - $176,900.00

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

Location(s)

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 [email protected] for assistance.