Manager, Strategy & Innovation

Job DescriptionManager, Strategy & Innovation at a glance….This individual is responsible for ensuring Kraft Heinz compliance with existing and emerging federal and state food & food packaging laws, regulations and guidance documents. The role provides organizational leadership and engages with external partners, all while providing expertise to ensure company compliance, brand sustainability and excellence in regulatory management.As a member of the Food Regulation & Strategy team, the Strategy and Innovation Manager will lead Kraft Heinz North America food and/or food packaging regulatory compliance strategies across our diverse product portfolio. This role will serve as a subject matter expert on food and/or food packaging regulations, ensuring our products meet all applicable compliance requirements while supporting innovation and market expansion initiatives. The successful candidate will lead the end-to-end regulatory compliance cycle—monitoring and interpreting emerging requirements through proactive horizon scanning, assessing impact and advising internal stakeholders, and translating obligations into clear policies, controls, and implementation plans. Partnering across the Kraft Heinz business, the role will embed regulatory requirements into growth and commercialization activities, support strategic decision-making, and help shape the organization’s regulatory posture through timely guidance and constructive engagement with regulators and industry groups. The position will also oversee ongoing compliance monitoring and enforcement readiness, including issue escalation, corrective actions, and continuous improvement of the regulatory management framework.By providing tools, programs, and actionable insights to enable risk-informed decision making for key business initiatives, the Strategy and Innovation Manager is able to demonstrate organizational leadership across the North America portfolio. This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite weekly.What’s on the menu?Regulatory Compliance & Strategy: Monitor and interpret evolving regulations from FDA, USDA, CFIA, and state/Province regulatory bodies regarding food safety, labeling, and ingredient requirementsLead regulatory assessments for new product development, reformulations, market expansionsDevelop and implement comprehensive compliance strategies for food products and food packaging across all product categories and markets – including strategies for food and color additives, packaging initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, Minimum Recycled Content targets & reporting requirements, packaging materials strategies, and other ingredients, claims, and labeling requirements, as well as KHC-directed initiatives and commitments. Manage regulatory submissions, notifications, reporting requirements, and correspondence with regulatory agencies as neededAssist R&D and Quality communities in managing federal requirements for food packaging, including FDA safety requirements for food contact substances and materials and package fill requirements.Work with suppliers to advance KHC expectations for packaging safety and compliance based on KHC intended uses and needs.Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for regulatory issues across the portfolioCross-Functional Leadership & Support:Partner with cross-functional stakeholders such as R&D, Quality, Marketing, Supply Chain, and other teams to ensure regulatory requirements are integrated into product development processes and initiatives, and to integrate regulatory strategies within regular business planning sessionsProvide regulatory guidance during ingredient sourcing decisions and supplier qualification processesLead FRS and cross-functional teams through regulatory challenges and commercialization transitionsTrain internal stakeholders on regulatory requirements, compliance protocols, and best practicesTransition regulatory support from development phases to full commercialization as appropriateAssist Government Affairs, ESG, and other functions in monitoring emerging packaging requirements, identifying business, financial, and other implications for KHC, and developing KHC positions (internal and external) for proposed legal and regulatory requirements. Actively contribute information to assist with cross-functional issue awareness and risk management. Technical Expertise:Maintain deep expertise in food and/or food packaging regulations, color additive and other ingredient requirements, nutrition/labeling requirements, reporting, and certification processesHorizon scanning - Track regulatory trends, proposed rule changes, and industry developments affecting food labeling, food safety, and packaging composition/substances of interest, and claimsAnalyze competitive landscape and industry best practices for regulatory compliance across all focus areasDevelop and maintain regulatory procedures, job aids, guidance documents, and databasesAssess risks relevant to regulatory requirements and provide related strategic adviceLeverage regulatory developments and portfolio expertise to identify opportunities, risks, and implications for business growthStakeholder Management & Business Integration:Build and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, industry associations, external regulatory consultants, suppliers, customers, and certification bodiesRepresent the company at industry conferences, regulatory meetings, and trade association committeesCommunicate regulatory requirements and developments, risks, and strategies to all relevant cross-functional stakeholders to drive uniform understanding and clarity on next actionsTrain and support key cross-functional stakeholders with food and/or packaging compliance-related responsibilities including R&D, Quality, Toxicology, Legal, Government Affairs, ESG, Businesses, Tax, Procurement Sales and FinanceCollaborate with legal counsel and other functions on regulatory enforcement actions and compliance mattersMaintain deep understanding of development and commercial processes relevant to regulatory requirements, including product development, manufacturing operations, logistics, procurement, commercialization, and customer relationshipsFacilitate negotiations and influence business partners when dealing with highly complex regulatory situationsRecipe for Success – apply now if this sounds like you! Required Qualifications•Bachelor’s degree in food science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, Engineering, or related scientific fieldMinimum 5-8 years food regulatory experience with at least 3 years focused on leadership opportunitiesDeep understanding of/proficiency in federal and state regulations affecting food, including mandatory labeling elements, product claims and/or consumer packagingExperience with regulatory submissions, agency interactions, compliance program development, and commercialization processesExperience participating in and working with trade organizations and/or government agencies for the purpose of advocacyStrong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneouslyExcellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences and facilitate negotiationsStrong leadership, communication, organizational and presentation skills across all levels within the organizationKey Competencies:Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilitiesStrong attention to detail and analytical skillsAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrix-oriented organizationChange management and influence skillsTechnical writing and presentation capabilitiesConflict management and issue resolutionCustomer and consumer understandingAdvanced product knowledge and domain expertiseOur 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:$104,200.00 - $130,200.00Bonus: 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 factorsBenefits: 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/AssessmentsSocial - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, TrainingEmotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support ProgramsFinancial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, DisabilityLocation(s)Chicago/Aon Center, Glenview R&D CenterKraft 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 View email address on click.appcast.io assistance.SummaryLocation: Chicago, IL; Glenview, ILType: Full time