Associate Director, Innovation at Heinz in Chicago, IL

Associate Director, Innovation Location: Chicago, IL Job Description Kraft Heinz’s newly established Design function is shaping the next chapter of our iconic brands. By bringing together consumer-led visual systems, innovation, and distinctive brand experiences, we are creating new ways for our brands to connect, resonate, and grow. The Design team defines brand vision, builds powerful narratives, and, in close partnership with cross-functional partners, unites insights, strategy, creativity, and operational excellence to turn bold ideas into culturally relevant expressions that amplify our connection to consumers and culture. Reporting to the Chief Design Officer, the Assistant Design Director, Innovation will play a pivotal role in advancing transformative design and business strategies across brand, product, packaging, retail, and merchandising. Within this newly established function, you will champion design thinking and innovation as catalysts for growth, helping uncover new opportunities, reframe complex challenges, and shape breakthrough ideas that create strategic value for Kraft Heinz brands and platforms. You will work across the organization to identify areas of opportunity, develop compelling concepts, and translate ideas into testable prototypes and actionable solutions. Your work will span the innovation lifecycle, from framing opportunities and synthesizing research to guiding prototyping, evaluating concepts, and helping ensure business impact and sustainability. This is a highly collaborative and visible role for a strategic thinker who is energized by ambiguity and motivated by the opportunity to embed innovation and design thinking more deeply across the business. Key Components of the Role The primary objective of this role is to support and advance design innovation across prioritized initiatives within the Kraft Heinz brand portfolio. This includes: Leading impactful design thinking and innovation projects across diverse Kraft Heinz businesses Partnering with cross-functional teams to identify new business, product, and experience opportunities that drive growth Translating strategy into prototypes and pilots, evaluating concepts for desirability, feasibility, viability, and sustainability Navigating ambiguity and helping teams move ideas forward through a test-and-learn approach Applying and championing design thinking methodologies while helping build design thinking capability across the organization Solving complex business challenges and uncovering transformation opportunities through a systems-level perspective Supporting strategic planning and opportunity development for new brands, products, and experiences Collaborating with the Chief Design Officer and innovation teams to engage stakeholders, gather input, and shape creative opportunities Synthesizing research, business needs, and diverse perspectives into design strategies that support sustainable growth Articulating design vision through prototyping, scenario modeling, and strategic roadmaps Building strong cross-functional relationships to foster collaboration across research, marketing, media, and partner teams Qualifications Passion for the intersection of brand building, culture, and consumer connection, with a strong instinct for turning creative opportunity into impactful brand innovation Demonstrated success leading end-to-end design programs from strategy through execution Proven experience across brand strategy, design strategy, innovation, and product development Courage to challenge the status quo and advocate for new ideas Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to distill complexity and focus on high-impact opportunities Strong communication, influence, and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams and agency partners Resilience and agility in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Graphic Design, Engineering, or a related field MBA preferred but not required 10+ years of progressive experience in design innovation 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: $164,200.00 - $205,200.00 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) 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 contactNAZTAOps@kraftheinz.comfor assistance.