Sr. Brand Manager, Marketing Innovation & Growth - AFH

Job Description

Job Purpose

As the Senior Brand Manager , AFH Innovation – Meal Solutions you will lead the innovation strategy and commercialization transformation for the AFH (Away From Home) Meal Solutions platform (Philadelphia, Velveeta, Kraft M&C) at Kraft Heinz. This role will manage a team to drive the creation, validation, and execution of a multi-year innovation pipeline that addresses consumer pain points and brings new products to market efficiently. This role will also serve as point for Non-Commercial and Distribution vertical innovation strategies. The position will also foster cross-functional collaboration, manage agency relationships for packaging design, and support ESG initiatives, all while ensuring that consumer insights and brand integrity remain at the forefront of decision-making. The role is responsible for building a streamlined, agile commercialization process and leveraging data to drive impactful business results.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

· Lead the creation and validation of a multi-year innovation strategy for Meal Solutions platform that addresses key consumer and customer pain points, leverage market trends, guiding the process from ideation to product launch.

· Develop a strategic approach to identifying, curating, and managing the innovation pipeline, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

· Oversee the execution of the innovation strategy by collaborating with cross-functional teams, including culinary, R&D, consumer insights, quality, legal, engineering, operations, sales, and finance, to bring concepts to reality.

· Develop and lead strategy for innovation / process for innovation to win in Non-Commercial and Distribution verticals, developing strategy in partnership with key stakeholders and leading customer innovation sessions and implementation

· Manage agency relationships for the packaging design of new products and lead consumer validation efforts in partnership with the consumer insights team.

· Own the innovation process and associated deliverables for AFH, ensuring smooth execution of stage gate deliverables, prioritization, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

· Lead the transformation of AFH commercialization processes to improve speed and agility, creating fit-for-purpose systems.

· Build and maintain strong partnerships with Platform, GDI, CA (Platform & AFH), and Global R&D teams to ensure cohesive innovation plans and seamless execution across Kraft Heinz.

· Utilize syndicated data sources to analyze internal and competitor innovation performance, providing actionable insights and recommendations to drive impactful business decisions.

· Maintain a consumer-first mindset, ensuring day-to-day decisions protect the brand’s integrity while effectively balancing financial and operational considerations.

· Manage AFH commercialization routines including Prioritization & Resourcing; budget management.

People Management Responsibilities

· Team (salaried): 2 directs.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

· Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is required. An MBA with a focus on marketing is preferred, though candidates with equivalent experience will be considered.

· 6-8 years of experience, with at least 5 years in marketing, product innovation, or brand management. Strong preference for experience in developing, launching, and managing products from concept to market within the consumer goods sector.

· Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams by setting clear direction, providing coaching and guidance, empowering team members, and driving accountability.

· Demonstrated experience in setting strategic direction and effectively inspiring and mobilizing cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

· Results-oriented, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and ambiguity. Proactive in identifying and resolving obstacles within teams and organizations.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills with a track record of fostering effective business relationships.

· Strategic thinker who considers multiple perspectives and future impacts when addressing issues.

· Advanced experience in product and brand management, including P&L responsibility.

· Passion for consumer marketing, culture, new product trends, and innovation.

· Skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously, delivering on time and within scope.

· Ability to distill data into actionable insights and present a compelling narrative.

· Proven leadership skills, with the ability to communicate and share vision with the executive team.

· Strong organizational agility, getting things done through formal and informal channels while effectively delegating tasks.

· Ability to prioritize tasks for self and team, removing roadblocks and focusing on what matters most.

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces. To create a more agile and modern workplace, we allow office-based employees to work virtually for up to two days each week and expect them to work in person during the defined core days at their assigned work location at least three days per workweek.

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 contact [email protected] for assistance.