Manager, R&D – Packaging Materials Performance Specifications

The Kraft Heinz Company

. Own and evolve the PBS framework for packaging, including definition, structure, required content, and linkage to performance outcomes (functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, manufacturing performance) .

Posted 4/21/2026full-timeGlenview • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $104,200 - $130,200 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and evolve the PBS framework for packaging, including definition, structure, required content, and linkage to performance outcomes (functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, manufacturing performance)
Lead development and rollout of enterprise PBS templates and best practices , including guidance for writing measurable requirements and acceptance criteria
Translate cross-functional requirements into PBS by partnering with Packaging R&D, Innovation, Process/Platform teams, Quality, Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure specifications are complete, testable, and fit for manufacturing
Establish and run specification governance , including review cadence, approval workflows, escalation paths, and go/no-go readiness requirements related to specification completeness and risk
Ensure specifications enable manufacturable solutions , aligning performance requirements with converting processes and manufacturing constraints (e.g., filling, web handling, labeling, molding, printing, closures/dispensing where applicable)
Drive consistency and compliance by ensuring specifications reflect relevant sustainability and regulatory considerations and are maintained as requirements evolve
Build tools and processes for specification lifecycle management , including version control, change management, and communication of updates to impacted functions and sites
Define and align testing/validation expectations tied to PBS , including performance verification criteria and documentation needed to support proof of concept, scale-up, and handover
Enable training and adoption by developing training materials and coaching teams on PBS thinking, writing high-quality requirements, and applying enterprise packaging standards
Measure PBS effectiveness using quality and execution metrics (e.g., right-first-time specifications, reduction in rework, fewer late-stage changes, improved launch readiness)

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred, or related discipline
6 + years of R&D packaging development , commercialization experience and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred)
Strong technical knowledge of packaging materials , formats and manufacturing/converting constraints
Demonstrated experience in building performance specifications as well as packaging development and commercialization and cross-functional project leadership
Strong ability to translate business, technical, and consumer needs into clear, measurable performance requirements
Proven capability with project governance, risk management, and stakeholder reporting
Working knowledge of design of experiments and statistics and technical problem solving
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence across functions and levels
Familiarity with sustainable packaging solutions and the need to align packaging work with evolving sustainability and regulatory requirements
Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

packaging developmentperformance specificationsproject leadershipdesign of experimentsstatisticstechnical problem solvingpackaging materialsmanufacturing constraintssustainability considerationsrisk management

Soft Skills

communication skillsinterpersonal skillsinfluencecross-functional collaborationcoachingtraining developmentmeasurable requirements writingstakeholder reportingproject governancechange management