VP, R&D Consumer Experience and Innovation Capabilities

Job Description
Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Build a world-class R&D Consumer Experience and Innovation Capabilities organization and operating model to develop deep consumer understanding and translate it into superior products (25%)

• Expand current Consumer Experience organization, focusing on Technical Consumer Insights/Product Research capabilities, and develop a scalable Consumer Learning Plan framework (20%)

• Upskill team and organization on technical consumer insights tools and best practices, including, ethnography, trend monitoring, and Competitive Benchmarking (15%)

• Centralize all Technical Consumer Insights workstreams/projects and partner with Marketing and CIS to expand Consumer Experience team scope of work/capabilities to Horizon 2 innovation (10%)

• Embed Consumer Centricity into ways of working and operating model for R&D organization at large (training and change management) (5%)

• Manage and develop the GDI/GSI/Innovation Capabilities team, Design Thinking capabilities, and Culinary team to support 10YP and Horizon 3 innovation efforts (10%)

• Reframe internal R&D Ideation process from current "brainstorming" approach to business strategy and consumer need/pain point focus (5%)

• Manage and expand Open Innovation/External Partnerships team, ensuring discipline and consistency across the organization (5%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive metrics and evaluation framework to measure the impact of Consumer Experience initiatives (5%)

Additional Responsibilities

• Partner with Platform R&D VP/Leads to develop clear roles and responsibility and refine ways of working/routines to increase efficiency within R&D and across BU routines

• Partner with Platform and other Central R&D Leads to develop a more robust budget forecast/allocation by BU/Program type with quarterly reviews with BU R&D Leads/MBRs

• Provide visibility to R&D LT/MBR on demand vs capacity

• Develop and align Year ahead prioritization/principles

• Enroll BU R&D Leads on R&D and/or BU needs and sharing quarterly update on program status/priorities

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Mastery/proven track record of developing and leading Technical Consumer Insights/Product Research teams across two or more CPG companies

• P&G experience/training strongly preferred

• Experience in Front End Innovation, Design Thinking, and External Partnerships as a practitioner and/or manager

• 20+ years of experience in R&D technical consumer insights, innovation, and product development

• 5+ years of experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving organizational change

• Strong project management skills, with experience in planning, execution, risk management, and resource allocation

• Business acumen, with the ability to understand and align consumer experience and innovation initiatives with business objectives, developing business cases, and conducting ROI analysis

Education

• Minimum: B.S. Degree in Science or Engineering
• Preferred: M.S. Degree in Science or Engineering

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:
$259,400.00 - $324,200.00
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
Long-Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus, this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.
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 that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected] .