The Innovation & Design Quality Director will provide Quality direction and build collaborative relationships with Marketing and Sales Business units, R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain Away From Home (AFH/KHI) business unit, so that Quality Assurance better protects the Quality of the products End to End (E2E) through the Innovation funnel, into supply chain and into trade.
The role will apply Quality Functional knowledge with its team, to ensure the risk to the Product Launch is eliminated, and the Brand learnings of consumer behavior are integrated. Additionally, this role will educate stakeholders on what it is that Quality Assurance does and how QA assures product quality in the business through design, and will, together with the Brand, monitor and improve key consumer performance metrics that will help to grow the business.
The director will set the quality strategy for execution on Innovation as well as Market & Brand quality and implement routines and systems. Be the direct contact for quality problem notification and resolution to the Brands and from the Brands as they are in trade. Drive change in the use of Consumer measurable data such as consumer complaint reviews, Consumer Praise, market insights, etc. with the R&D Teams ensuring that when changing consumer behavior or expectations occur, they are translated into revised quality requirements.
Responsibilities:
Develop and lead the strategy for Innovation Quality in all aspects of the business; including in the retail and AFH/KHI business in alignment with other Corporate Functions and Corporate Quality across all factories and Innovations.
Develop and lead the Quality design and Commercialization tactical plan for Quality in partnership with R&D.
Lead and develop talent and skills in the organization in achieving results in all stages and gates in the End-to-End Commercialization Process.
Lead the Innovation activities for top netting innovations and ensure pre and post launch success.
Learn the industry specialized tools in Quality by Design; FMEA, pFMEA, Technical Risk Assessments, Commercial Risk Assessments, and QRMP leveraging the PLM Star and pNow systems.
Applies and disseminates expert knowledge of Packaging and Product formulations in concert with Quality tools to achieve the highest level of quality through the innovation funnels, in new products or pilots/changes to the existing portfolio.
Achieves results through managing others in the field and builds capability in the organization to effectively and completely conduct innovations with quality in the different BUs through a team of innovation Quality experts in the field, EMs or factories (Supply Chain Development Teams).
Establish the method and means to track performance and develop objective goals in market and through Innovation, including digitalizing for ultimate results visibility.
Actively participate in the Innovation process (concept/design, development, and first production and distribution phases of product launches via "Right First Time" stage gate meetings) or Brand-specific commercialization processes to ensure a successful launch. Work cross-functionally with the Contract manufacturing Group, Plants, Engineering, Marketing and R&D/PTC to ensure that appropriate product quality requirements are established and implemented before reaching the sites.
Lead the risk assessment of design, not just for the Supply Chain, but for the entire business whenever an Innovation, Cost Savings, or major Project is undertaken.
Participate in product line reviews and FP (TAMU) standards management, Consumer Relevant Quality Standards, or Brand aligned acceptable quality limits.
Leads the effort in Consumer Complaint Reductions and/or optimization Cross-Functionally.
Learn and understand the Brand's mission, values and consumer requirements; in collaboration with the Brand, build the quality design and execution into the Brand.
Qualifications and requirements:
BS/MS in Science or Engineering (Chemistry, Pharmacy or Food Technology preferred) or equivalent through experience and additional training. Additional formal training in Quality Management a plus.
R&D Prior Experience would also be Preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in Innovation Management positions, preferable in Quality Assurance, within the Consumer Goods industry (including Cosmetics, Packaged Goods, Food or Pharmaceuticals).
Experienced in the use of quality tools with a sound statistical base: Quality Management systems, process mapping, tooling qualification, FMEA and others. Knowledge of packaging manufacturing processes is a plus.
Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center, Glenview R&D Center.
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.
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