Job Description
Job Purpose
As the Director of R&D, Central Packaging E2E Execution , you will lead two high-impact teams focused on delivering high complexity packaging initiatives and drive E2E X-BU cost optimization across the Kraft Heinz packaging portfolio. This role provides strategic leadership for complex packaging projects from ideation through implementation in partnership with the Platform teams, while simultaneously driving Productivity initiatives and Productivity pipeline creation to optimize costs and improve total value of our packages. You will shape the technical direction of packaging development, establish governance frameworks, and build organizational capabilities across these two teams. The position requires exceptional technical expertise in packaging, executional excellence, strong business acumen, and proven leadership experience in managing multiple high-performing teams.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Define and execute portfolio strategy across Packaging Complex Projects and Productivity, optimizing for business impact, technical feasibility, and resource allocation
Own the development, prioritization, and health of the Productivity pipeline to consistently deliver >$7-$10MM in annual cost savings
Drive delivery of packaging projects with >$750MM NSV impact, ensuring >95% Right-First-Time success through rigorous stage-gate and risk management processes
Partner with senior leadership across R&D, Operations, Procurement, and Business Units to shape packaging investment priorities and enterprise packaging strategy
Establish and steward technical standards, governance frameworks, and best practices for complex packaging development and Productivity execution
Champion Right-First-Time delivery through robust design-for-manufacturability principles, supplier qualification, and cross-functional risk management
Drive sustainability integration across the packaging portfolio in alignment with corporate ESG commitments and evolving regulatory requirements
Lead strategic supplier engagement to unlock innovation, cost competitiveness, and supply chain resilience
Collaborate with Packaging Innovation and Procurement to build and manage a best-in-class supplier partnership ecosystem
Lead, develop, and inspire two high-performing technical teams (25–30 total) with a strong culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Design clear roles, career pathways, and succession plans; build organizational capability for long-term growth
Establish effective interfaces and ways of working with Platform teams, Business Units, and key external partner.
Provide strategic leadership and direction for both Complex Projects and Productivity teams, ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities and business unit objectives
People Management Responsibilities:
Team (salaried): 8-10 direct reports, 25-30 total team responsibility
Complex Projects team: 4 direct reports, 12 total
Productivity team: 4-6 direct reports, 13-18 total
Key Outputs & Deliverables:
Complex packaging project portfolio delivered with >95% Right-First-Time success rate
Productivity pipeline consistently generating >$25MM in annual cost savings without compromising package performance or consumer experience
Technical standards, governance frameworks, and stage-gate processes established and maintained across both teams
Robust succession planning and capability development programs in place
Full compliance with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements across the packaging portfolio
Strategic supplier partnership framework co-developed with Packaging Innovation and Procurement
Expected Experience & Required Skills
Bachelor’s required; master’s preferred in Packaging Science/Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
15+ years of progressive R&D and commercialization experience in packaging, with demonstrated expertise across materials, processes, and…