Senior Principal Scientist, R&D – Consumer Experience Statistician

Job Description

Senior Principal Scientist, R&D – Consumer Experience Statistician

Job Purpose

The Senior Principal Scientist for Consumer Experience is a high-impact R&D leadership role responsible for the strategic integration of statistical expertise into the consumer research lifecycle. You will serve as the primary architect for experimental frameworks that drive product innovation and legally defensible global claims. Beyond data analysis, you will lead end-to-end consumer experience projects, manage an elite ecosystem of external research partners, and ensure the operational excellence of research facilities worldwide. This role requires a blend of advanced technical mastery and proactive project leadership to transform consumer insights into a competitive market advantage.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• End-to-End Project Leadership: Lead and oversee consumer experience projects from inception to completion, ensuring statistical rigor is embedded in the research design and that findings directly influence R&D innovation roadmaps.

• Vendor Ecosystem & Strategy: Define and maintain a preferred network of global consumer and sensory research agencies. Leverage extensive industry knowledge to select partners that offer cutting-edge methodologies and best-in-class data quality.

• Quality Assurance & Facility Auditing: Conduct on-site audits of vendor facilities and research sessions to ensure compliance with protocols, data integrity standards, and best practices in sensory/consumer testing.

• Research Travel: Travel as necessary to observe research in the field, supervise complex data collection sessions, and ensure the execution of studies aligns with strategic objectives.

• Claims Substantiation: Lead the statistical design and analysis for consumer-centric research to support global product claims, ensuring all evaluations meet the highest standards for legal and regulatory defensibility.

• Methodological Innovation: Identify and implement emerging statistical techniques (e.g., Bayesian modeling, predictive analytics) to uncover non-obvious consumer insights and product white spaces.

• Consultative Influence: Act as a senior consultant to R&D and Marketing leadership, translating complex statistical findings into compelling business narratives that guide executive decision-making.

• Regulatory & Industry Influence: Maintain active engagement with professional associations and standards-setting bodies (e.g., ASTM, ISO) to stay ahead of emerging statistical, methodological, and claims-support standards and translate these advancements into internal best practices.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Master’s degree (MS) in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative field is required.

• A minimum of 7 to 10+ years of post-graduation practical experience, with a heavy emphasis on the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or sensory research industries.

• Proven track record of managing large-scale external research agencies and navigating the vendor ecosystem to deliver high-quality results.

• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary projects and providing senior-level guidance in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Expert knowledge of ANOVA, Multivariate Methods, DOE, Regression, Hypothesis Testing, and Power Analysis.

• Ability to audit and evaluate the technical capabilities of external research facilities and data collection methodologies.

• Deep understanding of multiple research methodologies (CLT, IHUT, Sensory Profiling) and the rigorous requirements for product claims support.

• Exceptional ability to "story tell" with data, presenting findings to both technical experts and non-technical executive audiences.

• Ability to work independently, manage high-stakes project commitments, and influence cross-functional peers without direct authority.

• Ability to travel up to XX% of the time for business needs

Work Environment & Schedule

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. In addition, this role may periodically be required to work from or visit the Kraft Heinz North American Headquarters at the Aon Center in downtown Chicago to support meetings with senior leadership, cross-functional partners, and key stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include but not limited to

• List the job’s physical requirements. (Mental requirements are not needed.)

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:

$120,800.00 - $151,000.00

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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.