Sr Sci, R&D - Product Development

All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US

Job Functions: Research & Development

Date Published: February 4, 2026

Ref#: R-99966

Remote, Hybrid or Onsite: Hybrid

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Description

Sr Scientist, R&D – Product Development

Job Purpose

The Sr Product Development Scientist will have the opportunity to be a technical leader by providing category direction and lead execution of projects. This role will be the Category Lead for Claussen leading and driving technical projects to meet business initiatives focused on growth, productivity, ESG, and brand maintenance. The candidate should have a proven record of successfully leading, executing, and commercializing projects ranging in technical complexity with minimal guidance, and getting results in a variety of challenging and complex settings. The candidate should have experience leading business initiatives while exhibiting a collaborative approach and applying innovative solutions. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential in this role, which operates in a dynamic and cross-functional environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Category Management: Main point of contact to the business, responsible for setting the direction and providing technical guidance

• Project Management: Leads development and execution across multiple projects ranging from low to high technical complexity for the Business Unit.

• Manage multiple assignments/research projects concurrently and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives

• Commercialization: Deep knowledge of commercialization processes and required activities as the technical/R&D lead. Ability to troubleshoot challenges.

• Collaboration: Work with cross functional teams acting as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects

• Communication: Provide updates to cross-functional teams; Identify hurdles and propose solutions

• Translate research findings into meaningful business objectives

• Champion an innovation approach and exhibit influence on the cross functional partners

• Mentor, coach and collaborate with other colleagues within and outside of your immediate team

• Demonstrate the ability to develop relationships with and coordinate commercialization activities across internal and external manufacturing facilities.

• Lead and complete product testing, qualification, and commercialization in laboratory and production environments

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree (Masters is a plus) – Food Science, Meat Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering

• 4-6 years of Product Development and commercialization experience within a CPG or equivalent

• Project management experience, technical expertise, and food science/processing knowledge

• Excellent communication, influencing, project management and problem solving skills

• Highly motivated and able to multi-task varying degrees of complex projects

• Willingness/ability to learn new product categories and/or processing areas

• Demonstrated ability to influence, manage multiple projects concurrently with the ability to prioritize work, and solve problems effectively.

• Brings an entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset

• Ability to manage through ambiguity

• Strong experience in commercialization

• Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality

• Self-motivated problem solver and the drive to deliver objectives in a complex, fast-paced environment

• Willingness to travel 30% pending business needs. Travel could include (but not limited to): within United States and Canada to internal plants, co-manufacturers, and suppliers.

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

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

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:

$89,800.00 – $112,200.00

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 [email protected] for assistance.

R&D AT KRAFT HEINZ

THE
CREATORS

Our Research and Development team creates high-quality products that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Innovation is what gets us up in the morning!

Whether you want to develop your technical skills or grow as a people manager, there’s a place for you here to advance your career.