📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Brand Manager, Innovation - Heinz
🔹 Company: The Kraft Heinz Company
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Brand Management, Innovation
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving new product development from concept to launch for the Heinz brand
- Leading cross-functional teams to manage the end-to-end commercialization process
- Analyzing market trends and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities
- Collaborating with various departments, including R&D, culinary, consumer insights, sales, finance, and supply chain
- Contributing to the Masterbrand innovation strategy and 3-year pipeline
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong bias for action, ownership mentality, ability to deal with ambiguity, and strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working both horizontally and vertically across an organization to keep multiple projects and priorities moving forward to achieve deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the ideation, development, and execution of new products (Innovation and/or Renovation projects)
✅ Analyze market trends, data, and competitive intelligence to identify trends and opportunities
✅ Develop product concepts, prototypes, and formulations in collaboration with R&D and culinary teams
✅ Partner with the Consumer Insights group to identify knowledge gaps, define and initiate the learning plan to optimize the 6Ps of led initiatives
✅ Manage the product commercialization process and lead cross-functional teams to ensure timely, on-budget, and successful project completion
✅ Contribute to the Masterbrand innovation strategy and 3Y pipeline by identifying trends, consumer jobs to be done, and innovation territories that are aligned with our Masterbrand strategy & POD
✅ Partner with the Marketing & Sales team to develop compelling product launch plans, product positioning, packaging, and promotional strategies and customer & sales presentations
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may evolve based on business needs and the candidate's skills and experiences.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (or advanced degree) in Business, Marketing, or related field
Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience (prior experience in marketing, product innovation, or CPG preferred)
Required Skills:
- Strong project management skills with the ability to successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously and deliver on timelines (Experience in cross-functional team management preferred)
- Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills
- Creative thinker with strong analytical skills
- Operates with a sense of urgency
- Strong leadership and results-driven
- Passion for food and flavor innovation
- Growth mindset and consumer-obsessed
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the food and beverage industry
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience in the food and beverage industry or being bilingual may provide a competitive advantage for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $102,100.00 - $127,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Healthcare, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off, including company holidays, leave of absence, and flexible work arrangements
- Recognition, training, and family support programs
- 401k, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability insurance
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level brand manager role in the food and beverage industry. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's skills, experiences, and negotiation.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Kraft Heinz Company operates in the food and beverage industry, with a portfolio of over 200 brands, including Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, and Philadelphia. The company is committed to sustainable growth and responsible, sustainable practices.
Company Size: The Kraft Heinz Company has over 37,000 employees worldwide, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: The company was founded in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods and Heinz.
Company Description:
- The Kraft Heinz Company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with global sales of approximately $25 billion.
- The company's portfolio includes iconic brands such as Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Heinz, and Philadelphia, which are produced and marketed in over 40 countries.
- The company is committed to delighting more consumers globally and transforming the food industry with bold thinking and unprecedented results.
Company Specialties:
- Food and beverage manufacturing and marketing
- Innovation and product development
- Brand management
- Global operations and supply chain management
Company Website: careers.kraftheinz.com
ASSUMPTION: The Kraft Heinz Company is a large, global organization with a strong brand portfolio and a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. Working for this company provides opportunities for career growth and development in a dynamic and challenging environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a mid-level position, typically suited for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in brand management, marketing, or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Brand Manager reports directly to the Brand Manager or Senior Brand Manager and may oversee junior team members or cross-functional project teams.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the primary work location in Chicago, IL. The work arrangement may include occasional travel for meetings, events, or site visits.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Senior Brand Manager or Brand Manager role
- Expansion into other brands or product categories within the Kraft Heinz portfolio
- Development of leadership and management skills through team supervision and project management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the Kraft Heinz organization. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on high-impact projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to the company's overall success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Kraft Heinz Company's headquarters is located in Chicago, IL, with a modern, collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 200 E. Randolph St., Suite 7600, Chicago, IL 60601, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a vibrant food and beverage industry.
- The city offers a wide range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities.
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, with standard business hours. However, the nature of the role may require occasional evenings or weekends to attend events, meetings, or other work-related activities.
ASSUMPTION: Working in Chicago offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with access to a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities. The city's diverse food and beverage industry provides ample opportunities for networking and professional development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with hiring managers and team members
- Final round interviews, which may include case studies or presentations
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Leadership and teamwork abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
- Industry knowledge and passion for food and beverage products
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the food and beverage industry and the Kraft Heinz Company's brand portfolio
- Prepare examples of your problem-solving skills and leadership experiences to discuss during the interview
- Research the company and its competitors to showcase your industry knowledge
ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Innovation, Product Development, Cross-Functional Teams, Consumer Insights, Market Trends, Competitive Intelligence, Project Management, Leadership, Communication Skills, Food Industry, CPG
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a significant number of candidates applying. Tailoring your application materials and preparing thoroughly for interviews will increase your chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Consumer insights and market research tools (e.g., Nielsen, Mintel, Euromonitor)
- Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed above are commonly used in brand management and product development roles within the food and beverage industry. Familiarity with these tools will be beneficial for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Ownership: We act like owners, taking personal responsibility for our work and the collective success of the company
- Meritocracy: We reward and recognize performance, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement
- Collaboration: We work together, leveraging our diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to achieve common goals
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on delivering results and driving growth
- Data-driven and analytical, with a strong emphasis on consumer insights and market trends
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and stakeholder management
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong bias for action and a sense of urgency in your approach to work?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and deadlines?
- Do you have strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders?
- Are you passionate about food and beverage products and the consumer insights that drive their development?
ASSUMPTION: The Kraft Heinz Company values a strong work ethic, a focus on results, and a collaborative approach to work. Candidates who align with these values and work styles will be well-suited to this role and the company's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require occasional travel, which could be challenging for candidates with personal or family commitments
- The fast-paced nature of the role may be stressful for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
- The competitive nature of the food and beverage industry may present challenges in driving product success and market share
- The role may require working with cross-functional teams, which can present challenges in coordinating multiple priorities and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: While this role offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, it also presents several challenges that candidates should carefully consider before applying.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other brand management roles, this position focuses more heavily on product innovation and development, with a greater emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and project management
- Within the food and beverage industry, this role is similar to brand management positions at other large, global companies, such as Nestlé, Unilever, or General Mills
- Career progression in this role may follow a similar path to other brand management positions, with opportunities for advancement to senior brand manager or brand director roles
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on product innovation and development within the food and beverage industry. Candidates with experience in similar roles or a strong background in product development or project management may find this role particularly appealing.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a new line of organic, plant-based Heinz products to capitalize on growing consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious options
- Launching a marketing campaign to promote Heinz's iconic ketchup brand, targeting a younger demographic with a focus on digital and social media channels
- Conducting market research to identify consumer preferences and trends in the condiments and sauces category, and using insights to inform product development and innovation strategies
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives an Associate Brand Manager for Heinz Innovation might work on. The specific projects and priorities will vary based on the company's strategic goals and market conditions.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's innovation strategy and how this role contributes to its success?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its brand managers?
- What is the typical career path for a successful Associate Brand Manager in this role?
- How does the company measure the success of its brand managers and their teams?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that framework?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides an opportunity to assess the fit between your career goals and the organization's priorities.
📝 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://heinz.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/KraftHeinz_Careers/job/Chicago-IL/Associate-Brand-Manager--Innovation---Heinz_R-92747
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for interviews by researching the company, its competitors, and the food and beverage industry
- Practice common interview questions and develop responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
