Kraft Heinz’s newly established Design function is shaping the next chapter of our iconic brands. By bringing together consumer-led visual systems, innovation, and distinctive brand experiences, we are creating new ways for our brands to connect, resonate, and grow. The Design team defines brand vision, builds powerful narratives, and, in close partnership with cross-functional partners, unites insights, strategy, creativity, and operational excellence to turn bold ideas into culturally relevant expressions that amplify our connection to consumers and culture.
Reporting to the Chief Design Officer, the Design Director is a senior design leader responsible for setting the standard for design excellence, both strategic and operational, across critical brand touchpoints and channels. This role leads the creation, development, execution, and governance of compelling design systems and solutions, partnering closely with internal teams and external agencies to deliver world-class creative quality at scale. Operating seamlessly from strategy through execution, this leader inspires teams, influences senior stakeholders, and ensures design consistently elevates Kraft Heinz brands in ways that advance business objectives.
Key Components of the Role
The primary objective of this role is to establish and steward design excellence across the Kraft Heinz brand portfolio. This includes:
Leading brand development and portfolio activation strategies across prioritized platforms and channels, including Retail, Food Service, and E-Commerce
Shaping design and brand strategies in alignment with business priorities, growth ambitions, and evolving market conditions
Translating business, consumer, and cultural insights into strong creative direction and compelling design solutions
Leading design from ideation through commercialization, leveraging the full breadth of design disciplines
Building scalable systems, workflows, and guardrails that enable speed, quality, and consistency across markets and channels
Ensuring flawless execution while driving timelines, managing dependencies, and addressing risks proactively
Leading cross-functional teams and external partners to align around shared creative and business goals
Influencing senior leaders and key stakeholders to build alignment, momentum, and decision clarity
Managing scopes of work, external partners, budgets, and internal design operations with strong business discipline
Driving continuous improvement across design operations and commercialization processes
Qualifications
Demonstrated success leading end-to-end design programs from strategy through execution
Proven creative leadership and people management experience
Proven ability to bridge technical functions, including R&D, with creative and marketing organizations
Exceptional strategic thinker and creative problem solver
Exceptional presentation, communication and storytelling skills
Resilience and agility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence senior leaders, and lead through complexity
Prior people leadership experience preferred
Strong business acumen and organizational savvy
Bachelor’s degree in design; Master's preferred
15+ years of senior brand design and innovation experience
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:
$190,300.00 - $237,900.00Bonus: 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
Long-Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.
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)
Chicago/Aon CenterKraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.