Job Description

Job Description

Job Purpose:

The R&D Pilot Plant Materials Assistant is responsible for the ordering, receipt, storage, handling, and distribution of raw ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods supporting Pilot Plant operations. This role ensures accurate inventory management, timely material flow, and compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Working closely with R&D Developers, Quality, Pilot Plant Operations, and SBM teams, the Materials Assistant plays a role in enabling efficient pilot-scale production, testing, and shipment of finished goods to distribution centers. The position also supports inventory systems, documentation, and special projects as assigned.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Submit, track, and manage purchase orders for common Pilot Plant materials.
• Receive, store, issue, and ship raw materials, packaging supplies, and finished goods.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including FIFO rotation and compliance with KHMS policies.
• Coordinate shipping and receiving activities with third-party dock and logistics partners.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry and transaction processing in SAP and other inventory systems.
• Maintain complete and accurate shipping, receiving, and production documentation.
• Support material holds, releases, and recall procedures in partnership with Quality.
• Coordinate and expedite material flow to support planned Pilot Plant production schedules.
• Partner closely with R&D developers, Pilot Plant technicians, engineers, maintenance, and leadership to support operational needs.
• Provide troubleshooting and problem-solving support related to materials, inventory, and logistics.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, GMP, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain required safety training, lift truck certification, and PPE compliance.
• Support Kraft Heinz Safety Process initiatives, including hazard identification, corrective actions, inspections, and safety meetings.
• Participate in internal and external audits and assist with corrective action development as needed.
• Maintain housekeeping and sanitation standards in all assigned areas.
• Demonstrate sound judgment when ordering materials to meet budgetary expectations.
• Support accurate financial recordkeeping and timely supplier payments.
• Perform duties in alignment with company policies and guidelines.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Associate's degree in related field, or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant manufacturing or pilot plant experience.
• 1–2 years of experience in materials coordination, logistics, warehousing, supply chain, or manufacturing support (food or regulated environment preferred). Experience using inventory management or ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Basic understanding of inventory control, FIFO, and material handling practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and critical-thinking skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for internal and external interactions.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, sanitation, and quality systems preferred. General understanding of applicable regulations (OSHA, FDA, USDA, EPA). Proficiency with basic computer applications, including spreadsheets and databases (e.g., Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness and ability to learn new systems and processes as tools and applications evolve.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Relocation & Sponsorship: This role is based onsite at the Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, Illinois. Relocation assistance and work authorization sponsorship are not available for this position.
• Work hours: Occasional overtime may be required to support project timelines; however, regular overtime is expected to be minimal.
• Onsite & reliable transportation: This is a full‑time onsite position at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Reliable attendance and dependable transportation are required. R&D Assistants work on campus Monday through Friday, following a standard daytime schedule to support daily lab operations, sample preparation, equipment setup/readiness, and collaboration with R&D teams. Occasional flexibility may be needed for pilot plant runs or other project‑based activities within standard operational hours.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

• Hourly Pay: Starting at $28/hour, with final offer based on experience, skills, and internal equity.
• Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Health Reimbursement Account/Health Savings Account (HSA), Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Supplemental Life Insurance, and so much more!

Physical Requirements Physical demands include but not limited to:

• Combination of sedentary work and active work in Pilot Plant and production areas.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and computer use.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; assisted lifting methods or team lifting required for loads over 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate material handling and production equipment as required.

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, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.