Lead, HR - Technical University at Heinz in Chicago, IL

Lead, HR - Technical University
Location: Chicago, IL
Job Description
TheLead HR - Technical Universityis responsible fordesigning and leading the company’s Supply Chain/Manufacturing Technical Learning ecosystem to develop world-class skilled trades and technical professionals. This leader will build a scalable “Technical University” that develops capabilities across Maintenance, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Skilled Trades while creating clear career pathways that attract, develop, andretaintalent.
This newly created HR leadership role will partner closely with Operations leadership, HR, COE's, and external education partners to ensure the organization develops the Technical Capabilities required for sustainable business growth
TheLead HR Technical University willestablisha modern learning model that combines classroom instruction, digital learning, hands-on training, certifications, and apprenticeship pathways.
Success is measured by the impact on employee capability, engagement, and alignment with Kraft Heinz’s mission to grow and elevate technical excellence.
Strategy & Vision
Define and implement the long-term strategy and vision for the Technical University aligned with business and workforce needs.
Build a scalable learning ecosystem for skilled trades, maintenance, quality, engineering technicians, and frontline technical roles.
Establish competency models, certification frameworks, and structured career progression for technical talent.
Establish KPIs to measure training effectiveness including:
Skill attainment
Certification rates
Productivity improvements
Retention of technical talent
Demonstrate ROI of training investments.
Program Development
Design curriculum across core technical disciplines including:
Maintenance and reliability
Electrical and mechanical systems
Automation and controls
Safety and regulatory compliance
Quality
Engineering
Create multi-level training programs that progress from entry-level to expert technician.
Workforce Development
Build apprenticeship, internship, and early-career pathways into technical roles.
Partner with community colleges, technical schools, and workforce organizations to develop talent pipelines.
Partner with Talent Acquisition to create initiatives to attract new entrants to skilled trades careers.
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Learning Delivery & Infrastructure
Establish modern training environments including labs, simulations, and digital learning platforms.
Implement blended learning approaches (hands-on, instructor-led, microlearning, VR/AR, etc.).
Ensure consistent learning standards across all locations.
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Leadership
Build and lead a team of technical instructors, curriculum designers, and learning specialists.
Create a culture of continuous learning and technical mastery across the organization.
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Experience
10+ years of experience in technical training, workforce development, HR operations leadership, or industrial learning environments.
Experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, field service, or skilled trades training environments strongly preferred.
Proven track record of building learning programs, academies, or workforce development initiatives.
Proven experience in technical learning, talent development, or university leadership
Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, and digital learning platforms
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage large-scale projects
Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
Data-driven mindset with experience in measuring learning impact
Ability to inspire, coach, and develop technical talent
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Education
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial technology, education, workforce development, or related field required.
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Skills
Deep understanding of technical workforce development
Strong business and operational acumen
Curriculum design and learning architecture
Partnership development with education institutions
Data-driven program evaluation
Exceptional leadership and communication skills
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What Success Looks Like
A fully operational Technical University, delivering structured career pathways for technicians.
Increased internal promotion rates within technical roles.
Strong pipelines of early-career skilled trades talent.
Measurable improvements in maintenance reliability, safety, and operational performance.
Recognition as an employer of choice for skilled trades careers.
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Why This Role Matters
The Technical University will play a critical role in addressing the skilled trades gap, strengthening our technical workforce, and ensuring the organization has the capabilities needed to compete and grow in an increasingly technical operating environment.
Work Environment & Schedule:
Office-based (Chicago, IL) - Hybrid 3 days/week Onsite Aon Center
Standard business hours; occasional travel and evening/weekend work may be required for program launches or events
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:
$141,500.00 - $176,900.00
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.