Senior Manager, R&D – Culinary Innovation Lab
The Kraft Heinz Company
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Glenview • Illinois • United States
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Salary
💰 $120,800 - $151,000 per year
Job Level
About the role
- 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
Requirements
- 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
- 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
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
- Wellbeing events, resources, and learning opportunities
- 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
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
culinary artsfood scienceinnovation toolsrapid prototypingiterative product developmentagile methodologiesconsumer testingproject managementbudget managementtrend analysis
Soft Skills
leadershipcoachingmentoringcollaborationstrategic mindsetbusiness acumencommunicationownershipaccountabilitycuriosity
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Culinary ArtsBachelor’s degree in Food Science