Leadership Development Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL

The US Trainee Program- R&D
The Kraft Heinz Trainee Program is designed to grow the future leaders of Kraft Heinz. This program is for high-performing, ambitious, and creative individuals who are ready to lead the future of food and beverage. Throughout the program, Trainees will hone their understanding of our business and industry, collaborate across the business to grow our iconic brands, and learn how to build their own legacy here at Kraft Heinz.
What's on the Menu for the Trainee Program?
The Kraft Heinz R&D Trainee Program is a ten-month leadership development program that includes:

• Two-to-four weeks of immersive onboarding to learn the business from end-to-end, build connections with their cohort, and prepare to drive impact throughout the program,

• Two 4-month project rotations to bring creative solutions across the business,

• One week of leadership development rooted in our WIN leadership principles,

• One week of celebration and professional development to support the transition out of the trainee program and into full-time role,

• Placement into a full-time R&D role upon the completion of the program to continue developing as a leader and growing a robust career at Kraft Heinz.

Throughout the program, Trainees can also expect regular opportunities to meet with our CEO, North America President, North America President of R&D, and other senior executives; mentorship from previous trainees and business leadership; collaboration with Trainees from other countries, including UK, Netherlands, and Brazil; and curated learning experiences to help with grow as leaders and as cultural ambassadors of Kraft Heinz.
Our Trainee program will kick off July 12th 2027
What Do R&D Trainees Work On?
Trainee projects propel our beloved brands forward- designing and executing product testing to strengthen quality, driving innovation, developing and testing packaging improvements, and advancing ESG priorities while exploring emerging opportunities to win with Gen Z audiences.
R&D Trainees could have exposure to the following areas:
• Design and execution of product testing
• Packaging development and testing
• Advancing processing technology
• Product and packaging innovation
• ESG / nutrition / packaging sustainability
• Portfolio renovation
• Cost & Quality improvement
• Brand maintenance
*Opportunities for our finance, human resources, supply chain & procurement, sales, manufacturing and marketing are also available at select locations, please visit our early careers site, choose the role most aligned with your goals and submit a single application.
Recipe for Success
We are looking for candidates who...

• Are pursuing a Bachelors degree with anticipated graduation between November 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027

• Are innovative thinkers and problem solvers

• Choose greatness by challenging the status quo

• Take leadership opportunities to make an impact

• Have a passion for our values and the future of our brands

• Are able to lead through challenges

• Take complex concepts and look for ways to simplify

New Hire Base Salary

• 80,000 USD Annually

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

Our Values
Our Trainees are expected to live out the Kraft Heinz values as cultural champions and future leaders at the organization. At Kraft Heinz, our values are:

• We are consumer obsessed

• We dare to do better every day

• We champion great people

• We demand diversity

• We do the right thing

• We own it

The Recruitment Process
Trainee program applications are accepted through October 2, 2026.

• Step 1: Application and Games-Based Assessment

• Step 2: Virtual Interviews with Business Leaders

• Step 3: Final On-Site Interview Day at our R&D Facility in Glenview, IL

Where Will Your Journey Take You?
R&D Trainees are based in Glenview, IL. All Trainees will complete one of their project rotations at a field location (i.e. sales office, manufacturing plant, research and development facility). Housing is provided to Trainees when they are on their field project rotation
Final Job Placement Locations
Final placement will be in Glenview, IL at our R&D facility with positions also available at our Warrendale, PA R&D facility
* Upon completion of the trainee program, you will have an opportunity to rank your preferences, final placement will be based on business need and your interests.
About Us
Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We're on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.
Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We're proud of where we've been - and even more thrilled about where we're headed - as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.
Why Us
We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures - as we work together to lead the future of food.
Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we're growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.
Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment
We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration, connection & community as an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today's workplace. A majority of our office-based employees will be able to work remotely for up to two days each week. Additionally, employees who are subject to this hybrid model will be eligible to work from anywhere for up to six weeks in a rolling 12-month period (in maximum two-week increments and according to benefits and tax guidelines). Some jobs may be required to be performed fully in office depending on the role's responsibilities and requirements.
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 NATAI@kraftheinz.com.
Location(s)
Glenview R&D 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