📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager, Innovation - Away From Home
🔹 Company: The Kraft Heinz Company
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 office days per week)
🔹 Category: Food & Beverage Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexible work arrangements
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading new product development from concept to launch for a key flagship brand
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to oversee the entire commercialization process
- Conducting market research and competitive performance/landscape analysis to identify trends and opportunities
- Managing product commercialization process, packaging design, and pricing decisions
- Partnering with sales, brand, and BAP teams to generate early customer interest and align on launch plans
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong bias for action, ownership mentality, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Support the ideation, development, and execution of new Away From Home (AFH) products (innovation)
✅ Conduct market research and competitive performance/landscape analysis to identify trends and opportunities
✅ Develop product concepts, prototypes, and formulations in collaboration with R&D and culinary teams
✅ Manage the product commercialization process and lead cross-functional teams to ensure timely, on-budget, and successful project completion
✅ Manage packaging design process, including agency relationship and review and approval of all deliverables
✅ Partner with finance on product P&L to actively manage the impact of decisions on overall profitability and guide pricing and forecasts
✅ Partner with sales, brand, and BAP teams to generate early customer interest and align on launch plans
✅ Manage innovation tracking and delivery, budget management, and innovation routines (stage gate, resourcing)
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, requiring strong communication, project management, and leadership skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field. MBA and advanced qualifications preferred.
Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in marketing, product innovation, or brand management. Prior experience developing, launching, or managing products from concept to market in the consumer goods sector is highly desired.
Required Skills:
- Passion for food and flavor innovation, combined with an interest in food trends and flavor profiles
- Growth mindset and continuous learner who embraces challenges and anticipates consumer needs
- Proven project management and solid analytical, consultative, and diagnostic skills
- Proven ability to juggle multiple projects and manage timelines, resources, and stakeholders
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and coach without direct accountability
- Strong strategic thinker who considers various perspectives and impacts of issues and can project them into the future
- Ability to quickly develop organizational agility and effectively delegate tasks
- Ability to prioritize time and eliminate roadblocks for the team
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with business case development and multi-workstream project management
- Fluency in a second language
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with equivalent experience and a strong background in consumer goods or related industries may also be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $102,100.00 - $127,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Healthcare, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
- 401k retirement plan
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
- Flexible work arrangements, recognition, and training programs
- Employee assistance program and wellbeing programs
Working Hours: Full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement (3 office days per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary depending on factors such as internal equity, candidate's geographic region, and other considerations.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Kraft Heinz Company operates in the Food and Beverage Services industry, with a focus on consumer packaged goods (CPG). The company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with global sales of approximately $25 billion.
Company Size: The Kraft Heinz Company has 10,001+ employees globally, with headquarters in Chicago, IL, and Pittsburgh, PA.
Founded: The company was founded in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods and Heinz.
Company Description:
- The Kraft Heinz Company is a globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods with a portfolio of more than 200 legacy and emerging brands.
- The company's iconic brands include Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Primal Kitchen, and Classico, among others.
- The Kraft Heinz Company is committed to sustainable growth, delighting more consumers globally, and leading as a global citizen through responsible and sustainable practices.
Company Specialties:
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Brand management
- Product innovation and development
- Marketing and sales
- Supply chain management
Company Website: careers.kraftheinz.com
ASSUMPTION: The Kraft Heinz Company is a well-established and reputable organization in the CPG industry, with a strong global presence and a diverse portfolio of beloved brands.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring several years of experience in marketing, product innovation, or brand management.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Brand Manager, Innovation - Away From Home reports directly to the Brand Manager, Innovation - Away From Home.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with employees expected to work in the office for at least three days per workweek and remotely for up to two days.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Brand Manager role within the Innovation team or other departments
- Expansion of responsibilities and leadership opportunities as the company continues to grow and evolve
- Potential international assignments or relocation opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop skills, gain experience, and advance within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Kraft Heinz Company's Chicago office is an open work environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.
Office Location(s): 200 E. Randolph St., Suite 7600, Chicago, IL 60601, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL, is a major city in the Midwest region of the United States, with a diverse economy and a strong job market.
- The city is known for its vibrant food scene, cultural attractions, and sports teams.
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows employees to work remotely for up to two days per week, with the expectation of working in the office for at least three days per workweek.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers employees a flexible balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, allowing for better work-life integration.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the director or vice president of the Innovation team
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Innovation mindset and creativity
- Leadership and teamwork skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your passion for food and flavor innovation and your understanding of the CPG industry
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in product development, market research, or brand management
- Research the company and its brands to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the business
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Product Innovation, Market Research, Project Management, Consumer Goods, CPG, Food Trends, Cross-Functional Teams, Commercialization, Packaging Design, P&L Management, Sales, Launch Planning, Hybrid Work Arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
- Consumer insights and market research tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, SPINS)
- Packaging design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the CPG industry and can be learned or improved upon with relevant experience and training.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Our People: We believe that our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success
- Our Brands: We are passionate about our iconic brands and committed to their growth and success
- Our Performance: We strive for excellence in all that we do and hold ourselves accountable for delivering results
- Our Responsibility: We take responsibility for our actions and their impact on our consumers, our communities, and our planet
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving results and meeting deadlines
- Innovative and creative, with a willingness to take calculated risks and challenge the status quo
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to navigate change and ambiguity
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share our passion for our iconic brands and our commitment to their growth and success?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with tight deadlines?
- Do you have a growth mindset and a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic and evolving industry?
ASSUMPTION: The Kraft Heinz Company values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and performance.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require occasional travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.
- The work environment can be fast-paced and demanding, with tight deadlines and high expectations
- The role may involve managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
- The Chicago office is located in a bustling urban area with potential traffic congestion and parking challenges
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated with effective planning, communication, and time management skills, as well as a strong commitment to work-life balance.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Brand Manager, Innovation position, but with a focus on the Away From Home (AFH) channel and a greater emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and project management
- In the CPG industry, this role is comparable to other Associate Brand Manager or Senior Brand Manager positions, with a focus on product innovation and commercialization
- Career progression from this role could lead to a Brand Manager, Director, or Vice President position within the Innovation team or other departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in the CPG industry, with a focus on product innovation and commercialization, and to develop skills and advance within the organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and launching a new line of sustainable, plant-based products for the AFH channel
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for product line extensions or renovations
- Managing the commercialization process for a new product, including packaging design, pricing, and launch planning
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, with a focus on innovation, market research, and cross-functional teamwork.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall Innovation team and the company's long-term growth strategy?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Innovation team or other departments?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
- What is the company's approach to sustainability and responsible business practices, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past achievements in product development, market research, or brand management
- Research the company and its brands to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the business
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
