Lead, State Affairs – West

Job Description State   Government   Affairs   – West Coast   Washington, DC   OR Chicago, IL    About Us   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   C ulture 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     Preferred Qualifications:   A dvanced 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 ma