Job Purpose
We are seeking a strategic, consumer-obsessed culinary leader to drive culinary-led innovation and unlock new growth opportunities for Kraft Heinz. In this role, you will lead a team of culinary professionals within the Culinary Innovation Lab to build and scale a culinary innovation capability translating emerging consumer trends and insights into actionable ideas and innovation pipelines that support brand and business priorities. Working cross-functionally with Marketing, Insights, R&D, and external partners, you will lead end-to-end innovation - from identifying opportunity spaces to developing and testing concepts through rapid prototyping and consumer validation. Using agile methodologies, you will guide teams through iterative development, delivering Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and accelerating speed-to-insight and speed-to-market. You will also lead the North America culinary trends program and help elevate culinary expertise as a strategic driver of innovation across the organization. The role plays a critical part in shaping future innovation pipeline and accelerating growth across Kraft Heinz’s North America portfolio.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
· Lead, coach, and develop a team of culinary professionals, fostering a high-performance collaborative culture while building technical capability and leadership skills.
· Lead the development and evolution of culinary-led innovation tools, methodologies, and processes to meet dynamic business needs
· Translate North America business priorities and consumer insights into clear innovation opportunities and “dig spaces”
· Facilitate cross-functional teams through ideation, concept development, and whitespace exploration
· Guide culinary teams in rapid prototyping and iterative product development, integrating consumer testing and learning plans
· Champion agile ways of working to accelerate speed-to-insight and speed-to-market
· Identify and build strategic partnerships (internal and external) to enhance innovation capabilities
· Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including oversight of budgets, resources, and timelines
· Lead the North America culinary trends program, identifying and translating trends into actionable ideas for brands and innovation pipelines
· Partner with cross-functional teams to develop compelling culinary storytelling, inspiration, and communications
People Management Responsibilities
· Team (salaried): 2 direct reports (culinary professionals)
Expected Experience & Required Skills
· Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field.
· 8+ years of culinary experience with demonstrated technical expertise
· 3+ years of experience in a corporate, R&D, or food manufacturing environment preferred
· Prior experience leading and developing teams preferred, with a track record of coaching, mentoring, and driving high performance
· Proven experience operating in agile innovation environments with rapid test-and-learn cycles
· Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity with a strong strategic mindset and business acumen
· Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across functions and levels
· Experience translating consumer insights and emerging trends into actionable innovation opportunities preferred
· Growth mindset with a passion for continuous learning and curiosity
· Exceptional collaboration skills across internal teams and external partners, with a high degree of ownership and accountability
· Ability to define, communicate, and execute a clear vision and strategy
· Excellent communication, project management, and stakeholder management skills
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 (Glenview, IL).
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 - $151,000.00Bonus: 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 CenterKraft 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.
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