Senior Manager, R&D - Consumer Experience

Job Description Job Purpose As the Senior Manager, NA R&D - Consumer Experience, you will lead Consumer Experience execution for a portfolio of brands within the Kraft Heinz North American Zone (NAZ). You will be responsible for translating consumer needs into product design, technical requirements, and experience models that enable winning renovation and innovation across Food, Beverage, Snacks, and adjacent categories.

This role leads a team of Consumer Experience scientists and partners closely with Marketing, Innovation, Insights, and R&D leaders in Product Design, Process Development, and Packaging to create, develop, and qualify products and packages that meet consumer needs and business objectives. The Senior Manager is accountable for day-to-day Consumer Experience delivery, people leadership, and ensuring projects enter and exit development with clear, validated consumer experience direction.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities 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. People Management Responsibilities Team (salaried): 3 to 4 direct reports. Expected Experience & Required Skills Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in Science (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Design, etc.) or Consumer Psychology disciplines Minimum 8+ years of relevant experience with Bachelor's or 7+ years of relevant experience with Master's or 6+ years of relevant experience with PhD Experience in consumer research, UX design, product innovation or related disciplines, including direct exposure to product development and commercialization 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. Work Environment & Schedule This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Warrendale, PA. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Warrendale Innovation Center.

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: $120,800.00 - $151,000.00 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 candidate's 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 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) Glenview R&D Center 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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

ABOUT US Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We're on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry.

A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company. Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet.

We're proud of where we've been - and even more thrilled about where we're headed - as we nourish the world and lead the future of food. WHY US We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands.

Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures - as we work together to lead the future of food.

Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we're growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

INCLUSION MATTERS TO US Everyone is welcome at our table. In fact, we thrive on learning and growing from our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or who makes your heart sing.

We want you to show up as your authentic self, excited to work with amazing colleagues to solve complex challenges and innovate in an ever-changing industry. We're committed to: Hiring and growing talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Growing our Business Resource Groups - vibrant, celebrated communities that enhance our business through thought leadership employee engagement and professional development opportunities.

Providing our managers and leaders high quality learning experiences to explore how to foster inclusion and belonging.