Lead, R&D E2E Complex Projects, Process

As the R&D Process Project Delivery Lead you will own complex process development initiatives from early concept through scale-up commercialization and handover to operations. This role partners closely with Platform and Central R&D Manufacturing and cross-functional stakeholders to translate product concepts into robust scalable processes to manufacture finished products. The ideal candidate combines strong product development and process engineering expertise with disciplined project leadership and has a proven track record of navigating technical risk scale-up challenges and cross-functional execution across the end-to-end development lifecycle.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead the full R&D lifecycle for process initiatives: ideation feasibility process design modeling validation pilot trials scale-up and final handover to manufacturing and supply chain.
• Translate consumer product and business requirements into fit-for-purpose manufacturing processes that meet performance quality cost and timeline targets.
• Serve as the technical integrator across process design and manufacturing capability.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to assess process capability equipment fit line readiness and scale-up risks.
• Lead and coordinate pilot runs first-time-right trials and process validation activities to ensure smooth transition from R&D to full-scale production.
• Identify assess and mitigate technical risks related to process robustness variability raw materials and system interactions.
• Act as project owner and single point of accountability for assigned R&D programs.
• Collaborate with R&D Quality Regulatory Procurement Manufacturing Supply Chain and external partners to define requirements milestones timelines and success criteria.
• Build and maintain integrated project plans including technical deliverables decision gates budgets and resource needs.
• Lead governance reviews provide clear status reporting and proactively escalate risks trade-offs and decisions.
• Lead technical reviews of processing parameters yield stability and performance testing.
• Ensure compliance with quality regulatory food safety (as applicable) and shelf-life requirements.
• Support cost optimization value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives across new and existing products.
• Lead supplier and partner engagement related to processing technologies and external trials.
• Coordinate third-party testing pilot activities and sample approvals as needed.
• Apply R&D best practices including critical point risk assessment failure mode effect analysis and commissioning / qualification / validation.
• Author process design scopes transformation flowsheets and manufacturing procedure specifications.
• Contribute to the development of R&D processes tools and standards.
• Mentor junior scientists/engineers and strengthen technical project execution capability within the team.

People Management Responsibilities

• Team (salaried): 6 direct reports

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 11 years of progressive experience in R&D product and process development within consumer goods food and beverage or similar industries with increasing scope and accountability across scale-up industrialization and cross-functional leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end product and process development programs from concept through commercialization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes scale-up and industrialization.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and influence without authority.
• Solid project leadership skills including planning risk management and stakeholder communication.
• Proficiency with project tools (e.g. MS Project Smartsheet Excel); ERP experience (e.g. SAP) a plus.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading complex multi-site or global product launches.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plants process trials and first commercial production runs.
• Background in process optimization yield improvement or manufacturing continuous improvement.
• Project management certification (e.g. PMP PRINCE2) preferred but not required.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations stores manufacturing facilities etc.; offices are open workspaces

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:

Bonus: 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 candidates 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 savingfor the future we offer plans tailored to meet you and your familys needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical social emotional and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Youll 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 401kLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment Disability

Location(s)

Kraft 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 for assistance.