Lead, Operations Research Scientist - Digital Manufacturing

Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Operations Research Scientist to join our Digital Manufacturing team. In this role, you will play a critical role in driving business growth and process improvements across our manufacturing sites. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement, develop and apply advanced analytical solutions, and drive the implementation of data-driven recommendations. Your expertise in operations research, data science, and AI will enable us to optimize our manufacturing processes, improve yield, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and ensure processing and production lines are running within specification.
What's on the Menu:

• Work closely with manufacturing sites to identify and understand opportunities to improve their processes through digital technology and design solutions that meet those needs
• Convert identified opportunities into problem frameworks that can be solved using traditional and state-of-the-art mathematical, statistical, and AI-based techniques
• Conduct proof-of-concept analyses to evaluate the opportunity impact and feasibility of proposed solutions
• Develop prototype algorithms and models of these solutions that can be developed and implemented into production-grade applications by the Kraft Heinz Tech team
• Provide direction and operations expertise throughout the development and implementation of advanced analytics and AI solutions to drive business outcomes
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including manufacturing site leaders, production planners, and quality assurance teams
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies in operations research, data science, and AI
• Develop and maintain technical documentation of solutions and analyses
• Lead and mentor junior team members to develop their skills and expertise in operations research and data science
• Collaborate with the broader Digital Manufacturing team to drive strategic initiatives and projects

Recipe for Success:

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in operations research, data science, or a related field, with a focus on manufacturing or supply chain optimization
• Proven expertise in developing and applying advanced analytical solutions, including machine learning, optimization, and simulation
• Experience working with large volumes of asset telemetry data from manufacturing equipment PLCs
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python or R
• Experience with visualization and prototyping tools such as JMP, Streamlit or Shiny
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Strong business acumen and understanding of manufacturing processes and operations
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with statistical modeling and analysis in a food manufacturing or consumer goods industry
• Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Experience with cloud-based technologies such as Azure or AWS
• Certification in operations research, data science, or a related field (e.g. Certified Analytics Professional, Certified Data Scientist, Professional Engineer)

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.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$137,400.00 - $171,700.00
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
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. 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

Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center
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 [email protected] for assistance.