Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials

$120.8k - $151k

Kraft/Heinz

Job Description
Job Purpose
As the Rigid Plastic Packaging Senior Manager within the Sustainability & Materials Center of Excellence, you will lead a team of technical experts charged with developing rigid plastic packaging solutions to serve the North American portfolio. The objective of the team is to develop material and format solutions that meet sustainability requirements, addressing innovation, compliance, and value engineering initiatives. The team will develop and lead technical strategies and deliver novel, functional, cost-competitive solutions. In this role you will partner with Innovation, Process, and Platform packaging teams as well as cross-functional stakeholders to translate technical and sustainability requirements into viable, commercial, manufacturable solutions. The role includes leading the team to identify material/polymer/packaging technology solutions and research pathways, and leading proof of concept, technology scale-up, and seamless transition of technologies to the business units. The ideal candidate combines deep technical packaging expertise with strong sustainability knowledge and proven experience managing complex projects and technical teams.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Lead and prioritize a portfolio of complex rigid plastic packaging technology strategies and initiatives, including balancing technology exploration with proof of concept of novel technologies and managing complex partnerships across the value chain, demonstrating value and business case for technology applications.
Build, coordinate and manage relationships and partnerships with suppliers and technology providers (e.g., resin, coating, material suppliers; packaging manufacturers), and external partners (e.g., universities, institutes, start-ups, open innovation networks).
Identify material/polymer/packaging technology solutions that avoid material bans and regulatory risks.
Advance recyclable, reusable, and compliant rigid packaging formats aligned with enterprise sustainability goals and legislative requirements.
Deliver packaging designs to" Performance-Based Specifications (PBS) , ensuring solutions meet defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance outcomes (rather than prescriptive designs).
Provide technical leadership and oversight on packaging reviews, ensuring design decisions align with enterprise standards, manufacturability, sustainability, and long-term platform strategy.
Own project and portfolio-level budgets, resourcing strategies and capacity planning, ensuring delivery within approved financial guardrails; develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations; monitor progress, assess risk, and proactively escalate tradeoffs.
Serve as an accountable owner for governance, escalation and go/no-go decisions; represent packaging steering forums and influence stakeholders.
Act as technical expert for junior developers and direct team to flex onto projects requiring problem solving.
Partner with legal to build robust IP strategies; conduct exploration to build an IP portfolio to drive competitive advantage.
Mentor, coach and train junior project team members and contribute to PMO best practices and templates.
Build and sustain a high-performing technical team; manage, coach, mentor and retain employees, including goal-setting, performance management, salary planning and hiring.
Build strong succession and upskilling plans for junior talent, maximizing apprenticeship with more senior/experienced team members.
People Management Responsibilities
Team (salaried): targeting 3 direct reports
Key Outputs & Deliverables
Deliver technology strategy and prioritize a portfolio of complex rigid plastic packaging technology/format initiatives to deliver against sustainability, innovation and value engineering initiatives.
Lead and deploy a team of packaging technical experts to deliver" 7 to 10 concurrent complex packaging technology projects annually, meeting committed timelines, budgets, and technical performance targets from concept through proof of concept and handover.
Ensure full compliance with evolving sustainability and regulatory requirements for portfolio projects, including:
Minimizing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees
Designing packaging solutions that avoid material bans and regulatory risks
Advancing recyclable, reusable, and compliant packaging formats aligned with enterprise sustainability goals and legislative requirements
Deliver packaging designs to PBS, ensuring solutions meet defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance outcomes.
Expected Experience & Required Skills
BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred or related discipline.
Minimum 8 years of R&D technology development and commercialization experience in packaging and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred).
Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end development projects, identifying and driving packaging technology initiatives, leading external partnerships, and coordinating cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated experience in people management
Strong technical knowledge of" materials "(polymers, barriers and additives , etc.) and" manufacturing constraints , including converting processes (e.g., filling, labeling, molding , injection molding, extrusion blow molding, thermoforming ), bottle closure and dispensing systems .
Proven project management/PMO skills; experience with governance, risk management, budget management, and stakeholder reporting.
Expert knowledge of design of experiments and statistics; strong technical problem solving.
Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills; ability to influence at all levels.
Previous experience leading complex, multisite or global packaging or technology launches.
Expert knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions, material/package industry standards and regulations.
Experience with pilot line setups and scale-up to industrial production.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time .
Work Environment & Schedule
This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. 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 Glenview Innovation Center ( Glenview , IL).
Physical demands include but not limited to
Regular office work
Physical presence at labs and manufacturing sites (internal and external) to perform experimental and validation testing
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 View email address on jobs2careers.com for assistance.

Apply

Vacancy posted 1 day ago

Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials in Posen, IL vacancy

Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials
$120.8k - $151k
...Job Description Job Purpose As the Rigid Plastic Packaging Senior Manager within the Sustainability & Materials Center of Excellence, you will lead a team of technical... ...related discipline. ~ Minimum 8 years of R&D technology development and commercialization...
Plastics
Materials
Senior
Apprenticeship
Work at office
Flexible hours
2 days per week
3 days per week
Kraft/Heinz
Posen, IL
1 day ago
Account Executive
$68.3k - $93.95k
...including total waste stream management solutions, as appropriate.... ...recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the... ...the nation’s first integrated plastics recycling facility. This innovative site processes rigid plastics from our recycling centers...
Plastics
Materials
Minimum wage
Contract work
Temporary work
Local area
Republic Services
Crestwood, IL
1 day ago
Manager, Maintenance
$94k - $118k
...their industries, providing corrugated and plastic packaging products and related services... ...strong leadership and accountability. Manages inventory, parts storage, and the work-order... ...equipment acquisition and installation, materials acquisition, audits and process changes...
Plastics
Materials
Hourly pay
Temporary work
For contractors
Work at office
Local area
Shift work
Menasha Corporation
Alsip, IL
1 day ago
Sr Manager, R&D - Consumer Experience-2
$120.8k - $151k
...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...
Senior
Flexible hours
2 days per week
3 days per week
Kraft/Heinz
Posen, IL
22 hours ago
Sr Maintenance Manager
$156k - $187.2k
...Senior Maintenance Manager - JLL As a Senior Maintenance Manager, you will lead our site-based maintenance team. The team is comprised... ...safety, and data driven management and leadership. A background in material handling equipment systems/applications, packaging automation,...
Materials
Senior
Daily paid
Contract work
Relocation
JLL
Matteson, IL
3 days ago
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
...manufacturing engineering technical leader for plastic injection molding and light assembly... ..., tooling, fixtures, packaging, material flow, plant layout, capacity, safety, quality... ...Strategic prioritization and resource management Continuous improvement leadership...
Plastics
Materials
Senior
Weekend work
Illinois Tool Works
Richton Park, IL
5 days ago
Quality Manager
$120k - $130k
...operate 17 manufacturing facilities and 4 R&D centers across the world, delivering... ...From automotive and heavy-duty thermal management systems to household and industrial solutions... ..., work instructions, records, training materials, audits, and management review inputs....
Materials
Work at office
Shift work
Bulk Barn
Alsip, IL
1 day ago
Seasonal Merchandising Service Associate - Weekends Preferred
...Collaborates with the Merchandising Service team and Manager by communicating project priorities, schedule, and project needs (e.g., materials, supplies, time) Analyzes metrics and... ...cardboard boxes to the bailer, and moves plastic wrap and other debris to the compactor...
Plastics
Materials
Seasonal work
Local area
Weekend work
Lowe's
Homewood, IL
4 days ago
Production Supervisor - Night Shift
$90k - $153.2k
...Supervisor to lead manufacturing operations within a highly automated plastics and blow molding facility. This is a hands‑on leadership role... ...with Human Resources regarding attendance, performance management, employee relations, and disciplinary actions. Effectively manage...
Plastics
Hourly pay
Temporary work
Work at office
All shifts
Shift work
Night shift
Greif
Alsip, IL
3 days ago
Manager, Warehouse
$78.06k - $97.58k
...their industries, providing corrugated and plastic packaging products and related services... ...behind possible. About The Opportunity Manages all warehouse activities. Manages the... ...orders, including loading trucks, inspecting materials or product, and reconciling advanced...
Plastics
Materials
Hourly pay
Temporary work
Work at office
Local area
Menasha Packaging
Alsip, IL
3 days ago
Senior Electrical Project Manager
$130k - $145k
...Description Salary: $130k - $145k Snr. Electrical Project Manager Job Description LiveWire Construction, Inc. is seeking to... ...Budget & Scheduling:Managing project finances, labor hours, material procurement, and creating detailed schedules (using MS Excel or...
Materials
Senior
Full time
Contract work
For subcontractor
Local area
LiveWire Construction Inc.
Riverdale, IL
10 days ago
Manager
$136.6k - $142.5k
...to spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting along with technology and design, corporate and digital... ...and maintenance of knowledge assets e.g. tools, topic materials, based on different client contexts Training, coaching, and...
Materials
Work at office
Local area
Shift work
Boston Consulting Group
Merrionette Park, IL
4 days ago
Manufacturing Operations Manager
$125k - $140k
...internal equity. Your Responsibilities : The Operations Manager, reporting to the Plant Manager, is a key member of the South... ...standardization. Partner with vendors to evaluate equipment, materials, and product specifications while supporting purchasing...
Materials
Fuchs Lubricants
Harvey, IL
1 day ago
Senior Warehouse Associate - Wire Cutting (3rd Shift)
...South Austin Avenue - Responsibilities: Operate wire cutting machinery to cut, prepare and ship specialized wire, cable and related materials to orders; Calculate wire cutting length based on desired completion footage; Visually inspect wire for imperfections and part...
Materials
Senior
Night shift
Wesco
Alsip, IL
5 days ago
Fabrication Shop Manager
$38 - $45 per hour
...Trillium Construction is now seeking a Fabrication Shop Manager / Working Foreman for full-time work in Alsip, IL! Pay rate is... ...while enforcing all safety policies and procedures. -Coordinate material purchasing and communicate with vendors and suppliers to obtain...
Materials
Hourly pay
Full time
Trillium Staffing
Alsip, IL
2 days ago
Project Manager - Asphalt & Paving Contractor
$110k - $150k
...Jobot? Click our Jobot logo and follow our LinkedIn page! Project Management Opportunity with a Premier Chicagoland Paving Contractor Job... ...include but are not limited to asphalt and concrete paving, material sales, construction management, highway construction and more....
Materials
For contractors
For subcontractor
Work at office
Jobot
Homewood, IL
5 days ago
Corporate Training Manager
$80k - $90k
...Position Title: Corporate Graphics Manager (3233) Location: SH - CBC - South Holland, IL 60473 Salary: $80,000.0... ...Change documentation required to transition into new packaging materials. Update and maintain packaging specifications into company specification...
Materials
Full time
Work at office
Flexible hours
Shift work
Carl Buddig
Crestwood, IL
7 hours ago
Project Manager II
$115k - $124k
...Job Description: Project Manager II LiveWire Construction, Inc. is seeking a Project Manager II for our fast‑paced, growing organization... ...budget, billing, and forecasting while coordinating manpower, materials, and equipment with the field team. This position reports...
Materials
Full time
Contract work
For subcontractor
Local area
Wire Enterprise
Calumet Park, IL
3 days ago
External Manager in Training
$20.5 - $20.75 per hour
...Minimum Qualifications The minimum qualifications for a Store Manager are: High School diploma or GED preferred. Experience in retail... ...to supervise and train for the use of equipment, tools and materials listed in the Customer Service Representative (CSR) and Assistant...
Materials
Full time
Casual work
Local area
Flexible hours
Shift work
Circle K
Tinley Park, IL
4 days ago
Shift Leader
..., direct, and deploy crew to meet brand and company standards. Manage product inventory and ordering to meet demand. Assess and coach... ...grasp, or turn with hands. Perceive attributes of objects and materials, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture, by touch. Frequently...
Materials
Part time
Shift work
Weekend work
Afternoon shift
Taco Bell
Dolton, IL
5 days ago
Account Executive
$100k
...income. To ensure your success, you will have a dedicated sales manager & support team, continued results-driven training, WHAT THE... ...RESULTS DRIVEN FULL SUITE OF PROFESSIONALLY BRANDED MARKETING MATERIALS & PRESENTATION TOOLS ANYTIME LIVE MANAGER ASSISTANCE...
Materials
Local area
Slice Merchant Services
Hazel Crest, IL
1 day ago
Quality Assurance Manager
$110k - $130k
...Quality Assurance Manager Our client, a manufacturer of custom-engineered process equipment for the energy, industrial gas, healthcare... ..., customers, and regulatory bodies. Manage nonconforming material, customer complaints, warranty investigations, CAPAs, and root...
Materials
Permanent employment
Worldwide
Monday to Friday
Experis
South Holland, IL
1 day ago
Quality Control Manager
$111.2k - $152.9k
...Quality Assurance Manager - Manufacturing Plant Who we are: Atkore is forging a future where our employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders... ...of all Quality related functions (RMAs, Rework, Inbound Material Quality, etc.) Partner with all functions to define process...
Materials
Temporary work
Local area
Shift work
Atkore
Harvey, IL
3 days ago
Food Safety Supervisor
...LHH Recruitment Solutions is currently seeking an FSQA Manager to join our client's organization in the Dolton, IL area. Key Responsibilities... ...expectations, and customer specifications Monitor raw material, in‑process, and finished product specifications; ensure required...
Materials
Work at office
LHH
Dolton, IL
3 days ago
Store Manager
...everyday supervision of store outlets Responsible for resources management Takes care of stock, staff, and sales management Store... ...safety and health regulations Preparing promotional displays and materials Liaising with management Taking care of promotional...
Materials
Smoothie King (SKFI)
Crestwood, IL
4 days ago
Operations Supervisor (1st shift)
$78.25k
...Operations Supervisor The Operations Supervisor plays a key role in managing their team's workflow by assigning tasks, supporting staff,... ...incoming and outgoing shipments, handling, and disposition of materials, and keeping warehouse inventory current. Provides 100%...
Materials
Temporary work
Work at office
Day shift
ID Logistics
Country Club Hills, IL
3 days ago
EHS Site Manager
$113.6k - $156.2k
...EHS Site Manager We are currently looking for an Environmental, Health & Safety Manager for the Harvey, IL facility. Reporting to the... ...prevention, lockout/tagout (LOTO), fall protection, hazardous materials handling, and safe work practices. Conduct routine facility inspections...
Materials
Temporary work
For contractors
Work experience placement
Work at office
Local area
Shift work
Atkore International
Harvey, IL
3 days ago
Warehouse Associate
$20 per hour
...This includes down stocking of product, facing of material, closed boxes or cut tops, removal of excess plastic. Aisles must be swept of all debris and pallets lined... ...and provide superior service. Ability to manage time in a deadline-driven environment and strong ability...
Plastics
Materials
Hourly pay
Full time
Monday to Friday
Shift work
Temperature Equipment Corporation
Lansing, IL
3 days ago
Facilities Supervisor
$39.75 - $49.05 per hour
...facility machinery and building Maintains inventories of maintenance material, supplies, and repair parts at required levels by initiating... ...Program (BEC) all granted by the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) ( Credentialing by IFMA (Int’l Facility Managers...
Materials
Hourly pay
Odd job
Full time
Apprenticeship
Flexible hours
Shift work
Night shift
Wind Creek Chicago
East Hazel Crest, IL
5 days ago
Production Supervisor - 3rd Shift
$75k - $85k
...EXPECT The Production Supervisor reports to the South Plant Manager and plays a crucial role in overseeing the production... ...leads and Plant Manager. Manage/control job floor and warehouse material inventory utilizing employees to conduct cycle counts. Develop...
Materials
Full time
Work at office
Flexible hours
Shift work
Night shift
Weekend work
FUCHS
Harvey, IL
2 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Sr Manager, R&D - Plastic Rigid Materials. Be the first to apply!