R&D Pilot Plant Production Manager

The Kraft Heinz Company • Full-time • Glenview, Illinois, United States • 2w ago

Job Description

Job Purpose

TheR&D Pilot Plant Production Manageris responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all production activities across Kraft Heinz’s pilot plant facilities in Warrendale, Glenview, and Glenview Small Batch Manufacturing (SBM). This role owns the production floor, includingscheduling and running trials, managing Technicians and Production staff, ensuring GMP and food safety compliance in every run, and delivering consistent output quality against R&D project requirements. Oversight of projects, sanitation, maintenance, and materials & logistics sits with theR&D NA Pilot Plant OperationsLead, R&Dand this rolepartners closely with those functions to ensure seamless production delivery.

EssentialFunctions &Responsibilities

Own the day-to-day and weekly production schedule for pilot plant and SBM activities across Warrendale and Glenview, coordinating with thePilot Plant OperationsLead on project priorities and resource availability.

Ensure production lines are appropriately staffed, equipped, and ready for each scheduled run.

Monitor and report on production output, volume, labor utilization, and schedule adherence, whileescalatingvariances and risks promptly to thePilot Plant Ops Lead.

Ensure strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), SOPs, HACCP protocols, and Kraft Heinz product specifications on the production floor at all times.

Oversee and lead the implementation of the KHMS quality and food safety programs and operational standards in partnership with the Quality Manager.

Liaison between R&D Developers, R&D Leaders, Quality, Marketing, and other cross-functions for ideation, planning, trialing, and production in the pilot plants

Implement necessary technologies, equipment and efficiencies to deliver both short and long-term goals

Support the set up, run, and close out of production trials when needed in accordance with approved protocols, SOPs, and R&D project requirements.

Lead the team that we are the first line of quality oversight during production runs; identify non-conformances inreal time and initiate corrective actions.

Participate in quality audits and support execution of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) as directed by thePilot Plant OpsLead.

Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, and EPA regulations as they apply topilot plantproduction activities.

Track and report quality defect trends from production runs,partneringwith thePilot Plant OpsLead to identify root causes and eliminate recurring failures.

Directly supervise Pilot Plant Technicians andproduction staff,providingclear direction, performance feedback, and day-to-day coaching.

Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes for production team members in partnership with thePilot Plant OpsLead.

Deliver required GMP, safety, and job skills training to production staff; maintain up-to-date training records.

Foster a team culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement on the production floor.

Maintain a safe production environment through consistent enforcement of the Kraft Heinz Safety Process on the floor.

Conduct regular area safety inspections; identify and escalate hazards promptly; administer corrective actions within scope.

Lead accident investigations for production-floor incidents; communicate findings and corrective actions to thePilot Plant OpsLead and EHS.

Ensure all production staff complete required safety training and that safety procedures are followed without exception.

Prepare and maintain accurate production records, trial reports, and required regulatory documentation.

Develop and report on production KPIs including volume output, schedule adherence, labor efficiency, and quality conformance.

Communicate production status, issues, and outcomes clearly and consistently to the Lead and relevant cross-functional partners.

Support thePilot PlantLead in preparing broader operational cost and variance analyses by providing accurate production-level data.

People Management Responsibilities

Team (salaried):6direct reports,17total team responsibilitypluscontingent labor oversight

Expected Experience& Required Skills

Bachelor’s degreein Engineeringwith5+ years of experience in R&D, pilot plant operations, food manufacturing, or a closely related environment, with 3+ years ofpeopleleadership experience, including direct management of technical or operations teams.

Demonstrated ability to manage a production schedule, meet output targets, and resolve day-to-day operational problems under time pressure.

Experience working within GMP and food safety frameworks in a regulated production environment.

Working knowledge of HACCP, GMP requirements, and sanitation standards in a food production setting.

Familiarity with food safety regulations including OSHA, FDA, USDA, and EPA requirements applicable tofood manufacturing.

Experience with production scheduling, variance reporting, and basic labor cost management.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams); experience with ERP or production management systems (e.g., SAP) is a plus.

Hands-on, floor-present leadership style; comfortable working alongside the team in a production environment.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent production activities without losing attention to detail.

Clear, direct communicator; able to give production updates and flag issues concisely to the Lead and cross-functional partners.

Solutions-oriented problem solver; able to troubleshoot production issues quickly and keep runs on track.

Collaborative team player who works effectively within a structure where strategic decisions sit above this role.

Safety Responsibility:

Responsible for wearing proper PPE, compliance of safety training, policy & procedures, and reporting any unsafe safety conditions to management. Responsible for safely operating any production equipment and tools.

Quality Responsibility

Participate in any internal and external quality audits and assist in the development of procedures and corrective actions.

Equipment Operated

Lift assist equipment, production operating equipment and tools across pilot plants as necessary, and production computer systems.

Responsibility of Equipment Operated

Responsible for ensuring equipment and tools are in a safe and operable condition and must operate equipment and tools in a safe manner.

Physical Demands

Frequent activity; upright stance, keyboard or text input. Combination of sedentary activity and activity in production areas requiring force or movement. Lifting of up to 5-50 pounds may be required. Employees should use assisted lifting techniques / devices or teamwork for equipment greater than 50 pounds.

Schedule

The work schedule is a core Monday-Friday first shift. Weekend/off hours as business needs arise.

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:

$104,200.00 - $130,200.00

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

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)

Glenview R&D 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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.