Lead, State Affairs - West

State Government Affairs – West Coast

Washington, DC OR Chicago, IL

The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with eight $1 billion + brands and global sales of approximately $25 billion. We're a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years. While Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, our brands are truly global, with products produced and marketed in over 40 countries. These beloved products include condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and numerous other grocery products in a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.

We spark joy around mealtime with our iconic brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Planters, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others.

No matter the brand, we're united under one vision: To sustainably grow by delighting more consumers globally. Bringing this vision to life is our team of 39,000+ food lovers, creative thinkers, and high performers worldwide. Together, we help provide meals to those in need through our global partnership with Rise Against Hunger. We also stand committed to responsible, sustainable practices that extend to every facet of our business, our consumers, and our communities. Every day, we're transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results. If you share our passion – and are ready to create the future, build a legacy, and lead as a global citizen – there's only one thing to do: join our table and let's make life delicious!

Our Culture of Ownership, Meritocracy & Collaboration

We're not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. We empower our people at every level – from entry-level intern to senior leader – to own their work. We share a responsibility to think like Owners – to be mindful of the collective and sustained success of Kraft Heinz – which we apply to every situation, every day. As part of Kraft Heinz, you're supported to grow and achieve. You're expected to bring your authentic self to work every day, to lead with humility, and drive outstanding performance at every level – and you'll be rewarded. You're given opportunities to leave a mark and build a legacy. But you won't do it alone. You're supported by passionate teammates along the way, and our collective, collaborative spirit fuels our incredible progress.

Position Summary

The State Affairs Leader of the West Coast will play a critical role on the State Government Affairs team, driving Kraft Heinz Company's (KHC) state-level advocacy efforts to shape public policy and advance business objectives. This role is instrumental in promoting and protecting KHC's interests in priority states, ultimately contributing to the company's long-term success and growth. This role will report to the Associate Director of State Government Affairs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead government affairs for a region of states to increase KHC's influence on state legislation; set priorities and strategies
• Serve as the primary state lobbyist in priority states: draft/negotiates bill language and amendments, recruit sponsors, deliver testimony, and drive committee/floor outcomes.
• Support and maintain strategic, bipartisan relationships with governors' offices, legislative leadership, and chairs of key committees; develop relationship maps and engagement plans.
• Act as a subject-matter expert in at least two KHC-relevant policy areas; produce position papers, model bill text, executive briefs, and public comments; represent KHC in rulemaking and stakeholder forums.
• Build and lead coalitions with companies, suppliers, retailers, chambers, NGOs, and trade associations
• Monitor and forecast state legislative, regulatory, and ballot initiatives; provide early-warning alerts with recommended actions.
• Manage external consultants/contract lobbyists, budgets, and performance; ensure state lobbying registrations, reporting, and ethics/pay-to-play compliance.
• Manage cross-functionally (Legal, Regulatory, R&D, Supply Chain, ESG, Commercial, HR, Communications) to support state-level crisis/issue response strategy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Deep knowledge of state legislative/regulatory processes and state lobbying compliance.
• Exceptional advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills; ability to translate complex policy into clear business implications.
• Strong project, budget, and vendor management; KPI- and outcome-oriented.
• High integrity, nonpartisan judgment, and discretion with sensitive information.
• Willingness to travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (JD, MA, MBA, etc.)
• Corporate experience on a state government affairs team
• Demonstrated senior-level experience within state or local government

Required Experience:

• 8+ years in state government (legislature, governor/AG office, or state agency) or state lobbying experience Proven record drafting/negotiating legislation and regulations, delivering testimony, and securing enactments or defeating adverse proposals.
• Established relationships with governors' offices, legislative leadership, and key committee chairs across multiple states.
• Demonstrated SME depth in at least two areas relevant to KHC (e.g., food safety/labeling; agriculture and nutrition programs; packaging/EPR; tax/incentives; workforce/labor; environment/climate; privacy/data), evidenced by authored comments/testimony or task force participation.
• Experience managing external consultants/contract lobbyists and leading cross-functional issue teams.
• Coalition-building experience and engagement with state policy organizations (e.g., NCSL, CSG, NGA).

EEO Policy

Kraft Heinz is an EO employer – Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled and other protected categories

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:

$141,500.00 - $176,900.00

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)

Chicago/Aon Center, Govt Relations Office

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 View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance.