Senior Manager, R&D – Consumer Experience

The Kraft Heinz Company

Senior Manager overseeing Consumer Experience for Kraft Heinz's North American brands. Leading a team to innovate products across Food, Beverage, and Snacks.

Posted 5/10/2026full-timeGlenview • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $120,800 - $151,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a high-performing Consumer Experience team that enables strong renovation and innovation outcomes.
Translate consumer needs, behaviors, and Jobs-to-Be-Done into clear product and experience requirements.
Design and execute consumer learning plans to support renovation, innovation, and technology platforms.
Partner with R&D, Brand, Innovation, and Sensory teams to guide concept, prototype, and experience validation.
Build and deploy consumer models, frameworks, and tools that support product development and qualification.
Coach and develop Consumer Experience scientists in research design, insight quality, and business influence.
Identify emerging consumer needs and trends that inform future Jobs-to-Be-Done and innovation opportunities.
Prioritize work, manage resources, and ensure projects are delivered on time and to quality expectations.
Provide technical and business judgment to guide product and portfolio decisions.
Foster a culture of consumer centricity, learning, and innovation within R&D.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Science (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Design, etc.) or Consumer Psychology disciplines
7 to 10 years of progressive experience in consumer research, UX design, product innovation or related disciplines
Demonstrated experience in Consumer Experience, Product Research, or applied consumer insights supporting product development and commercialization.
Proven ability to translate consumer learning into product and technical decisions.
Strong people leadership and team-building skills.
Strong cross-functional collaboration with Brand, Marketing, Sensory, and R&D partners.
Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and allocate resources effectively.
Strong communication and storytelling skills to influence diverse stakeholders.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
Willingness to travel up to 20% based on project and business needs.

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.
Wellbeing events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

consumer researchUX designproduct innovationresearch designinsight qualityproduct developmentcommercializationconsumer learningproject managementresource allocation

Soft Skills

people leadershipteam-buildingcross-functional collaborationcommunicationstorytellinginfluencing stakeholdersprioritizationadaptabilitycoachingculture building

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degreePhD