Manager, R&D - Packaging Materials Performance Specifications

Job Description Job Purpose    ​ ​ As the   R&D   Manager   of   Packaging Performance Specifications , you will lead the development, deployment, and governance of  Performance-Based Specifications   ( PBS )   for packaging across the   Kraft Heinz North America   portfolio. The   objective   of the role is to ensure packaging solutions are specified and delivered against  defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance outcomes  (rather than prescriptive designs). You will partner with Packaging R&D, Innovation, Process and Platform packaging teams, Quality, Operations, Procurement, and external partners to translate requirements into clear, testable, and compliant performance specifications that enable scalable commercialization and consistent execution.   This role includes building and   maintaining   specification templates and standards, enabling strong cross-functional ways of working, and ensuring specification discipline supports innovation, value engineering, and compliance with evolving sustainability and regulatory needs .     Your team will support you in these efforts and will lead packaging sustainability compliance   for   Extended Producer Responsibility legislation. ​     Essential   Functions &   Responsibilities     ​ ​ Own and evolve the   PBS   framework  for packaging, including definition, structure,   required   content, and linkage to performance outcomes (functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, manufacturing performance).   ​ Lead development and rollout of enterprise   PBS   templates and best practices , including guidance for writing measurable requirements and acceptance criteria.   ​ Translate cross-functional requirements into   PBS  by partnering with Packaging R&D, Innovation, Process/Platform teams, Quality, Operations, and other stakeholders to ensure specifications are complete, testable, and fit for manufacturing.   ​ Establish and run specification governance , including review cadence,   approval   workflows, escalation paths, and go/no-go readiness requirements related to specification completeness and risk.   ​ Ensure specifications enable manufacturable solutions , aligning performance requirements with converting processes and manufacturing constraints (e.g., filling, web handling, labeling, molding, printing, closures/dispensing where applicable).   ​ Drive consistency and compliance  by ensuring specifications reflect relevant sustainability and regulatory considerations and are   maintained   as requirements evolve.   ​ Build tools and processes for   specification   lifecycle management , including version control, change management, and communication of updates to   impacted   functions and sites.   ​ Define and align testing/validation expectations  tied to   PBS , including performance verification criteria and documentation needed to support proof of concept, scale-up, and handover.   ​ Enable training and adoption  by developing training materials and coaching teams on   PBS   thinking, writing high-quality requirements, and applying enterprise packaging standards.   ​ Measure   PBS   effectiveness  using quality and execution metrics (e.g., right-first-time specifications, reduction in rework, fewer late-stage changes, improved launch readiness). ​   People Management Responsibilities   Team (salaried):   targeting 2   direct reports    Key Outputs & Deliverables    Enterprise   PBS   framework and templates  that standardize how packaging performance requirements are defined and documented.   A governed   PBS   library  ( maintained   specifications, version control, change management, clear ownership).   Project-ready   PBS   deliverables  that enable teams to deliver packaging designs to Performance-Based Specifications—meeting defined functional, quality, shelf-life, consumer experience, and manufacturing performance outcomes.   Specification   readiness criteria  embedded in project governance to support   timely , high-quality handover from concept through proof of concept, scale-up, and commercialization.   Training and   enablement   materials  to drive consistent application of   PBS   and enterprise packaging standards.   Expected Experience   & Required Skills   BS/MS/PhD  degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred, or related discipline.   6 + years of R&D packaging development ,   commercialization   experience   and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred).   Strong technical knowledge of  packaging materials ,   formats   and manufacturing/converting constraints .   Demonstrated experience in  building performance specifications   as well as   packaging development and commercialization and cross-functional project leadership .    Strong ability to translate business, technical, and consumer needs into  clear, measurable performance requirements .   Proven capability with  project governance, risk management, and stakeholder reporting .   Working knowledge of  design of experiments and   statistics  and technical problem solving.   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence across functions and levels.   Familiarity with  sustainable packaging solutions  and the need to align packaging work with evolving sustainability and regulatory requirements.   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 (Chicago, IL).    Physical   demands   include but not limited to