Senior Scientist, R&D - Exports

Job Purpose
As the Senior Scientist for R&D Exports, you will serve as a technical lead for Product and Packaging

Development initiatives supporting the Kraft Heinz North America Exports business across multiple

categories, brands, and international markets. You will act as the confident technical R&D authority

(“voice”) for product and packaging, leading complex commercialization efforts from development

through large–scale factory trials while navigating regulatory, manufacturing, confidentiality, and global

business requirements. The role is primarily focused on back–end commercialization and market

execution, with hands–on formulation and benchtop development performed as needed to support

business demands. This role operates with high autonomy in a dynamic, cross–functional, and globally

integrated environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for end–to–end product and packaging commercialization across

internal and external manufacturing facilities. Independently execute complex workplans,

troubleshoot technical and execution challenges, and identify innovative workarounds to ensure

successful launches across multiple export markets.

• Act as the product and package authority within cross–functional and cross–country teams. Build

and leverage strong R&D networks across North America BUs and global partners where

category or technical subject matter expertise is required.

• Lead and execute product and package testing, qualification, and optimization including lab

testing, select benchtop prototyping, shelf–life studies, pilot plant trials, and factory trials. While

this role is not primarily a front–end formulation position, hands–on development and testing

are required at times to support specific formulation and commercialization needs. Drive

execution across primary, secondary, tertiary, and distribution packaging systems.

• Partner with Legal and BU R&D leads to assess risks associated with disclosing proprietary

product and packaging information to foreign governments and external entities. Evaluate

international Confidential Information Requests using sound judgment to protect trade secrets

while enabling international business growth.

• Anticipate technical and execution risks, actively manage technical timelines, identify and

escalate issues, and create contingency plans to maintain business continuity and launch

integrity.

• Develop and maintain detailed product and packaging specifications and comprehensive

technical documentation. Ensure specification data accuracy, resolve gaps, and uphold technical

data quality standards.

discipline.

• 3 to 5 years of hands–on product and/or packaging commercialization experience, including

formula development, plant trials, performance testing, and specification creation, with an

emphasis on late–stage development and commercialization support.

• Experience in CPG/FMCG or comparable manufacturing environment with strong technical

product and/or packaging focus.

• Proven ability to perform in highly complex, ambiguous, and autonomous operating

environments.

• Demonstrated strength in cross–functional execution, influencing without authority, and

technical leadership.

• Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and problem–solving in fast–paced environments.

• Excellent communication, project management, and prioritization skills.

• Demonstrated growth mindset, willingness to experiment, and comfort being “uncomfortable”.

• Ability and desire to learn new product categories, technologies, and processes quickly.

• Strong personal executional excellence, accountability, and customer focus.

• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time based on project needs.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates primarily in an office environment, with limited travel based on project needs.

The role follows a hybrid work model that supports flexibility while maintaining strong in–person

collaboration. Employees are expected to work on–site a minimum of three days per week at the Kraft

Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week,

based on business needs and project requirements. Travel and in–office presence will be determined by

active project demands, including commercialization, testing, and supplier or plant support.

Physical Requirements Physical demands include but not limited to:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer

• Ability to stand and walk in laboratory and manufacturing environments

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive motions during testing and trials

• Ability to operate laboratory and pilot–scale equipment

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Ability to work near operating equipment and in varied temperature and noise conditions

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.