Design Director Jobs in Illinois

Job Description

Kraft Heinz’s newly established Design function is shaping the next chapter of our iconic brands. By bringing together consumer-led visual systems, innovation, and distinctive brand experiences, we are creating new ways for our brands to connect, resonate, and grow. The Design team defines brand vision, builds powerful narratives, and, in close partnership with cross-functional partners, unites insight, strategy, creativity, and operational excellence to turn bold ideas into culturally relevant expressions that amplify our connection to consumers and culture.

Reporting to the Chief Design Officer, the Associate Design Director, Brand Experiences, plays a critical role in shaping how Kraft Heinz brands come to life in the world. This role leads Brand Experiences for North America, influencing business and brand strategy, championing breakthrough creative, and helping define new ways for Kraft Heinz brands to build lasting emotional connections with consumers.

Spanning partnership platforms, including sport and entertainment, as well as commercial channels such as Food Service, this role helps redefine what brand activation means at Kraft Heinz through experiences that are culturally relevant, strategically grounded, and distinctive in market. Operating from vision through execution, this leader translates ideas into impactful consumer and customer experiences across the business, brings clarity to complexity, and inspires bold thinking across teams and partners.

Key Components of the Role

• Leading the development and execution of Brand Experiences strategies for prioritized brands, strengthening brand equity and driving growth across North America
• Defining long-term brand strategies, narratives, and positioning that create differentiation, memorability, and cultural relevance in market
• Designing and delivering experiential marketing activations, events, and toolkits for prioritized brands across partnership platforms, including sport and entertainment, and commercial channels such as Food Service
• Partnering with marketing to translate strategic plans into clear Brand Experience priorities, creative briefs, and actionable roadmaps
• Leading the creative process from concept through execution, identifying the strongest creative territories and big ideas for each brand
• Leading cross-functional collaboration across brand partners, marketing excellence, consumer insights, sales, finance, freelancers, and external agencies to bring ideas to life
• Delivering high-quality creative work and activations on time and within budget
• Leading presentations and discussions with business unit and marketing senior leadership, advocating for bold and breakthrough ideas across the organization
• Building a deep understanding of consumer and customer needs, and using those insights to shape Brand Experience strategy and execution

Qualifications

• Deep passion for the intersection of brand building, culture, and consumer connection, with a strong instinct for translating ideas into impactful brand experiences that drive business results
• Proven success leading end-to-end design programs, from strategic definition through execution
• Strong creative judgment, with the confidence to challenge convention and advocate for bold, innovative ideas
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and focus teams on the highest-impact opportunities
• Excellent communication, influence, and relationship-building skills across cross-functional teams and agency partners
• Resilience, agility, and strong organizational discipline in fast-paced environments, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field; advanced study in brand strategy, experiential design, or a related discipline is a plus
• 10+ years of progressive experience in brand experience design, activation design, or related creative leadership roles, ideally within FMCG, lifestyle brands, or leading creative agencies

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:

$164,200.00 - $205,200.00
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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.