Lead, Culinary – Innovation & Activations

Kraft Heinz is a globally recognized leader in the food and beverage industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and culinary excellence. With a rich heritage of iconic brands and a robust portfolio, Kraft Heinz serves millions of consumers worldwide, delivering products that inspire and satisfy diverse culinary needs. The company operates as a major player in both retail and foodservice sectors, continuously enhancing its market presence through strategic growth initiatives, innovation, and collaboration. Kraft Heinz values its people and fosters a culture that encourages creativity, teamwork, and a passion for food innovation, aiming to set new standards in the industry and meet evolving consumer preferences.

The role of Lead, Culinary for Innovation & Activations at Kraft Heinz represents a pivotal leadership position within the company's Away From Home (AFH) culinary strategy. This position is based in the Glenview R&D Center near Chicago and reports directly to advanced management in culinary innovation. As the Lead, Culinary, you will steer the AFH innovation culinary strategy by collaborating closely with marketing, sales, and research and development (R&D) teams to create growth opportunities and strengthen customer partnerships. You will be responsible for overseeing the creation and refinement of culinary prototypes, ensuring that products meet the highest culinary standards. This role places you at the heart of shaping culinary experiences by utilizing trend-based insights and developing educational content through the Kraft Heinz FoodLab.

You will lead and mentor a team of corporate chefs, acting as a brand ambassador and liaison between culinary teams and cross-functional groups. Your expertise will drive the development of new product concepts fueled by market-driven insights, enabling Kraft Heinz to stay ahead of culinary trends and consumer demands. You will manage culinary activations, events, tradeshows, and training programs, ensuring that every culinary interaction reflects the company’s dedication to quality and innovation.

Moreover, you will contribute to the strategic innovation pipeline by guiding culinary testing, commercialization, and the competitive analysis of products. The role requires strong organizational skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to navigate ambiguity and complex information to create solutions that enhance Kraft Heinz's business outcomes. This position demands a passion for culinary trends and innovation, with experience in commercial and corporate culinary environments, and the capacity to influence and collaborate across departments without direct authority.

The compensation for the Lead, Culinary for Innovation & Activations position ranges from $141,500 to $176,900 annually and includes eligibility for a performance-based bonus. Kraft Heinz offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting the diverse needs of its employees and their families, alongside numerous wellbeing programs focused on physical, emotional, social, and financial health. This opportunity is perfect for a culinary professional who thrives in a dynamic, innovative environment and desires to lead transformational growth in the foodservice industry through creative culinary leadership.