Head of Product Management and

Job Description Manager R&D, Taste Elevation Business Continuity

The R&D Manager, Taste Elevation (TE), Business Continuity leads product development in the sauces and condiments space across current portfolio of TE brands (e.g., while managing and developing a team of product developers supporting primarily brand maintenance initiatives. This role is responsible for translating business needs, supply- and regulatory requirements into practical development plans, driving technical execution and ensuring projects progress effectively from concept through commercialization.

This leader is expected to operate effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional environment and to balance people leadership with strong technical and project leadership. Success in the role requires sound product development judgment, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and strong collaboration across R&D, operations, quality, regulatory, marketing, and supply chain. The role also requires building team capability, setting clear expectations, and developing talent to meet current and future business needs.

Key Responsibilities Lead product development across multiple cross-functional projects and product categories within the Taste Elevation business, including brand maintenance, portfolio evolution, and productivity initiatives

Manage, coach, and develop a team of product developers, including setting priorities, providing feedback, and building technical and leadership capability across product development and brand maintenance responsibilities

Translate business objectives and regulatory requirements into clear development plans and ensure effective execution from concept through commercialization

Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project progress, resolve technical issues, and deliver against business timelines

Lead product testing, qualification, and commercialization activities across laboratory, pilot plant, and production environments

Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and implications clearly to cross-functional stakeholders and leadership

Manage multiple priorities concurrently and proactively identify tradeoffs, resource constraints, and priority conflicts across initiatives, including planned and unplanned brand maintenance asks

Ensure high-quality documentation, technical rigor, and strong executional discipline across development work

Mentor, coach, and collaborate with colleagues within and outside the immediate team to strengthen capability and business results

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field, plus a minimum of 6 years of product development experience within CPG, food and beverage, or a related industry; or master’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience

Demonstrated people leadership experience, including leading, coaching, and developing technical talent

Strong knowledge of ingredients, product formulation, processing equipment, ingredient interactions, and laboratory test methods

Proven ability to lead product development and commercialization across multiple projects and priorities

Strong communication, influencing, project management, and problem-solving skills

Willingness to travel up to 30%, including travel to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, and other business locations in the United States and Canada

Work Environment & Schedule This position is considered a Normal office environment with some travel or visits to external locations; Additionally, this role requires in office presence at least three days per week in compliance with hybrid work schedule.

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.

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

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

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.