Senior Manager, R&D – Consumer Experience

Job Purpose    ​ ​ As the   Senior Manager, NA R&D – Consumer Experience , you will lead Consumer Experience execution for a portfolio of brands within the Kraft Heinz North American Zone   (NAZ) . You will   be responsible for   translating consumer needs into product design, technical requirements, and experience models that enable winning renovation and innovation across Food,   Beverage,   Snacks, and adjacent categories. This role leads a team of Consumer Experience scientists and partners closely with   Marketing , Innovation, Insights, and R&D leaders in Product Design, Process Development, and Packaging to create, develop, and qualify products and packages that meet consumer needs and business   objectives . The Senior Manager is accountable for day-to-day Consumer Experience delivery,   people   leadership, and ensuring projects enter and exit development with clear, validated consumer experience direction. ​       Essential   Functions &   Responsibilities     ​ ​ Lead a high-performing Consumer Experience team that enables strong renovation and innovation outcomes.   ​ Translate consumer needs, behaviors, and Jobs-to-Be-Done into clear product and experience requirements.   ​ Design and execute consumer learning plans to support renovation, innovation, and technology platforms.   ​ Partner with R&D, Brand, Innovation, and Sensory teams to guide concept, prototype, and experience validation.   ​ Build and deploy consumer models, frameworks, and tools that support product development and qualification.   ​ Coach and develop Consumer Experience scientists in research design, insight quality, and business influence.   ​ Identify   emerging consumer needs and trends that inform future Jobs-to-Be-Done and innovation opportunities.   ​ Prioritize work, manage resources, and ensure projects are delivered on time and to quality expectations.   ​ Provide technical and business   judgment   to guide product and portfolio decisions.   ​ Foster a culture of consumer centricity, learning, and innovation within R&D. ​     People Management Responsibilities   Team (salaried):   3 to 4   direct reports.          Expect ed Experience   & Required Skills   ​ ​ Bachelor's,   Master's   or PhD in Science (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Design, etc.) or Consumer Psychology disciplines   ​ Minimum   8 +   years of relevant experience with Bachelor’s   or   7 +   years of relevant experience with   Master’s   or   6 +   years of relevant experience with PhD   ​ E xperience in consumer research, UX design, product   innovation   or related disciplines, including direct exposure to product development and commercialization   ​ Demonstrated experience in Consumer Experience, Product Research, or applied consumer insights supporting product development and commercialization.   ​ Proven ability to translate consumer learning into product and technical decisions.   ​ Strong   people   leadership and team-building skills.   ​ Strong cross-functional collaboration with Brand, Marketing, Sensory, and R&D partners.   ​ Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and   allocate   resources effectively.   ​ Strong communication   and storytelling skills to influence diverse stakeholders.   ​ Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.   ​ Willingness to travel up to 20% based on project and business needs. ​     Work Environment & Schedule   This position   operates   primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in   Warrendale ,   PA . Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the   Warrendale   Innovation Center.    Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide