Job Description

Job Purpose

​​As the Senior Scientist for Packaging Compliance & Strategy Report supporting sustainability reporting and strategy execution, you will lead the planning, coordination, and technical delivery of annual packaging sustainability reporting obligations and related data governance. Success in this role is defined by accurate, on-time reporting, strong data quality and traceability, and clear cross-functional execution of reporting plans and ongoing strategy support.​

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• ​​Serve as the packaging technical lead for EPR, source reduction, and eco-modulation readiness, along with other types of packaging specific compliance reporting such as Minimum Recycled Content and Canada Plastics Registry —providing technical strategy, interpretation, alignment to external standards, and guidance to reporting owners.

• ​Ensure reporting-relevant packaging specifications are accurate and complete by identifying data gaps, translating needed changes to the specification team, and coordinating closure with BU R&D, ESG/Procurement, suppliers, and data management.

• ​Validate portfolio classification and compliance inputs (e.g., covered material category-CMC assignments) and confirm alignment with internal governance partners and applicable external standards (e.g., APR).

• ​Partner with BU R&D and the Packaging Lab to validate high-impact packaging components/SKUs and document required corrections to support compliant reporting.

• ​Support verification/audit readiness by reviewing technical assumptions and calculation inputs, resolving issues, and ensuring consistent methodology application.

• ​Assess and document which projects/SKUs qualify for source reduction pathways and eco-modulation bonus/malus criteria; define evidence requirements and technical rationale.

• ​Compile and maintain technical substantiation packages for source reduction and eco-modulation (change summaries, material attributes, recyclability/qualification evidence) in collaboration with BU partners.

• ​Lead the technical portion of submission readiness for source reduction and eco-modulation, including issue resolution, technical sign-offs, and stakeholder alignment (while reporting teams execute the final data submission).

• ​Develop and maintain enabling tools and guidance (e.g., eco-modulation decision tree, impact estimation tool) and establish tracking inputs/processes to improve future-cycle performance.​

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• EPR reporting technical readiness package:

• Identified specification gaps and closure plan (by BU/category/SKU prioritization)

• Updated/confirmed CMC assignments with supporting rationale aligned to external standards (e.g., APR)

• Documented specification validation outcomes (including Packaging Lab validation summary where applicable)

• Audit/verification support artifacts:

• Technical inputs to reporting methodology and calculation assumptions

• Issue log and resolution documentation supporting verification

• Source reduction Plan:

• Source Reduction strategy/plan and tracking process

• List of qualifying projects/SKUs mapped to applicable pathway(s) to meet strategy/plan, aligned with BU stakeholders

• Substantiation dossier(s) compiled with BU R&D/ESG/Procurement (evidence, change summaries, technical justification)

• Technical sign-off package supporting submission readiness

• Eco-modulation:

• Eco-Modulation prioritized list of qualifying projects/SKUs and applicable bonus/malus criteria and impact estimates

• Substantiation dossier(s) for eco-modulation qualification

• Eco-modulation criteria guidance / decision tree for packaging strategy use

• Technical sign-off package supporting submission readiness

• PCR reporting (draft pending your clarification):

• Validated PCR report accuracy summary (with BU R&D/Packaging Lab inputs)

• Technical issue log and corrections recommended prior to submission

• Substantiation dossier(s) compiled with BU R&D/ESG/Procurement (evidence, change summaries, technical justification)

• Technical sign-off package supporting submission readiness

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• ​​​BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Materials, Chemical or Packaging Engineering preferred or related discipline.

• ​4+ years of R&D development and commercialization experience in packaging and project leadership experience (consumer goods, food & beverage, pharma or similar preferred).

• ​Demonstrated experience supporting R&D specification development and commercialization work.

• ​General knowledge of packaging materials (flexible films, rigid packaging, fiber, glass, metal, etc.) and packaging manufacturing/converting processes.

• ​Working knowledge of project execution practices (e.g., timelines, risk identification, stakeholder updates) and ability to manage assigned deliverables.

• ​Effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with cross-functional partners and external suppliers.

• ​Knowledge of sustainable packaging solutions, material/package industry standards, regulations (as applicable to rigid packaging development work) and Life Cycle Assessment.

• ​Willingness and ability to travel 5-10% of the time. ​​

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates primarily in a hybrid work environment and is based at the Kraft Heinz R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, IL. Our hybrid model provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week, with an expectation to work on-site at least three days per week at the Glenview Innovation Center (Chicago, IL).

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include but not limited to

• ​​Regular office work

• ​Physical presence at labs and manufacturing sites (internal and external) to perform experimental and validation testing​

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.