Commercialization Excellence Lead

The Commercialization Excellence Lead is responsible for the foundational transformation of our Project Management Organization, in service of delivering Net Sales Value (NSV) targets, margin objectives, and time-to-market commitments. This is an opportunity for a seasoned commercialization leader to build something that matters — elevating how we conceive, plan, and deliver innovation across our entire portfolio.

As a senior leader of a commercialization organization, you will architect and institutionalize the processes, talent models, and digital systems that underpin world-class project management. You will set the standard for how multi-functional initiative teams operate: from stage-gate rigor and decision governance to in-market learning and post-launch performance accountability. This role demands equal parts strategic vision and hands-on execution, and equal parts process architect and people developer.

Job Description

​ ​ C ommercialization   Capability & Maturity Transformation

- ​ Define and execute a multi-year   commercialization   capability maturity roadmap — spanning process, people, and technology — aligned to enterprise innovation ambitions.

- ​ Design, implement, and continuously improve a   project   governance framework   (agile, s tage- g ate , hybrid)   scaled to initiative complexity, risk, and strategic importance.

- ​ Establish standardized decision-making frameworks (RACI, Gate readiness criteria, issue escalation paths) that enable speed without sacrificing quality.

- ​ Build and institutionalize rigorous change management practices, ensuring aligned base plans serve as the backbone of all initiative execution.

- ​ Champion a 'Business First, Project Second' operating philosophy: anchoring every initiative plan to consumer-centric success criteria and competitive market realities.

- ​ Develop   and update   comprehensive Commercial, Technical, and Market learning plans that generate the insights needed to support Gate decisions and in-market readiness.

- ​ Establish post-launch tracking discipline using structured performance templates; drive corrective action rapidly when results diverge from commitments.

​ Stakeholder Alignment & Courageous Leadership

- ​ Act as the   commercialization 's senior   advisor   — framing risks, surfacing key issues, and presenting decision-ready options for senior leadership with full transparency.

- ​ Partner with   commercialization ,   functional leaders ,   key   d ecision   m akers to build strong governance communities and drive cross-functional accountability.

​ Talent Development & Capability Building

- ​ Define role profiles, competency frameworks, and career ladders that attract, develop, and   retain   top   commercialization   talent in a competitive CPG environment ;   build and execute a capability development roadmap for Project/Program Managers and cross-functional initiative team members.

- ​ Lead onboarding, team effectiveness, and health-check cadences that   establish   high-performing norms across all initiative teams.

- ​ Coach and mentor a team of project managers;   embed   5E Leadership principles as the operating model for all multi-functional team leadership.

​ Systems, Processes & Digital Enablement

- ​ Lead the   selection , implementation, and adoption of   commercialization   technology (portfolio management platforms,   s tage- g ate tracking tools, collaboration systems).

- ​ Define and enforce project data standards,   tracking   compliance protocols, and reporting cadences across the initiative portfolio.

- ​ Design dashboards and governance reporting that give leadership real-time visibility into portfolio health, risk, and capacity   utilization .

- ​ Evaluate and continuously improve the integrated planning processes ( AOP   schedules, spending plans, resource allocation) that drive cross-functional synchronization. ​

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range:
$141,500.00 - $176,900.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

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, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
- Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
- Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.  In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.