Sr Scientist, R&D Product Development Dairy​/Cheese

Overview

Sr Scientist, R&D Product Development - Dairy/Cheese. This role leads product development projects across the Cream Cheese category and Kraft Heinz Not Co Joint Venture, driving technical projects to meet growth, productivity, ESG, and brand maintenance initiatives. The position involves innovation, renovation, and maintenance of the brand, ensuring quality objectives and business continuity. Strong collaboration and communication in a dynamic, cross-functional environment are essential.

• Independently lead product development projects from formulation through scale up and startup
• Own commercialization of new and reformulated products and manage the transition from development to production
• Conduct lab tests, pilot plant activities, and large-scale tests within manufacturing facilities to optimize formulations and processes
• Manage technical timelines, communicate clearly, raise issues and risks, and develop contingency plans using strong project management skills
• Perform appropriate testing and develop recommendations/contingency plans based on findings
• Work with cross-functional teams as the lead product developer to drive execution across multiple projects
• Write specifications that ensure consistent, high-quality products
• Serve as the R&D point person for the manufacturing plant and assist plant operations with troubleshooting, design and product quality issues; support general brand maintenance as needed
• Interact with Operations, Center R&D, US Business Units, equipment vendors, Quality, Regulatory, Finance and Marketing to drive results
• Interface with technical experts and category scientists to understand technologies and applications
• Monitor emerging trends and competitive activities in assigned categories
• Assist in scoping early-stage innovation ideas and participate in ideation sessions
• Mentor, coach, and collaborate with colleagues within and outside the team

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) in Dairy Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences or related fields
• Experience with cheese and dairy ingredients or products, formulations, and manufacturing processes
• Agile mindset and knowledge of Agile commercialization practices
• Project management experience, technical expertise, and food science/processing knowledge
• Deep knowledge of commercialization processes and troubleshooting abilities
• Minimum 5+ years Product Development experience in a CPG or equivalent
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Knowledge of consumer goods, food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing
• Understanding of ingredient interactions/functionality
• Executional excellence, personal leadership, and customer focus
• Self-motivated problem solver with the drive to deliver objectives in complex settings
• Experience developing and executing work plans and driving results in challenging environments
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to learn new products and processes quickly
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (domestic and international travel as needed)

Base pay range: $88,000.00/yr - $/yr. This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents. New Hire Base Salary Range: $88,000.00 – $. The compensation offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on geographic region, knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits include coverage for employees and eligible dependents, with plans tailored to meet diverse needs.

Wellbeing programs and resources are available to support physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being.

Location:

Glenview, IL