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Lead, Network Optimization – NAZ

Kraft Heinz · Chicago, IL · $141,500–$176,900 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a footprint project where your model's answer was not what leadership wanted. How did it end?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend an analysis under pressure and still help leaders reach a decision they can own.

How do you explain a complex network scenario to a manufacturing or finance leader who doesn't trust models?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate optimization results into plain business tradeoffs that non-modelers can act on.

Tell me about a time you had to pull together data from many messy sources to build a model.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle real-world data gaps patiently and document the assumptions they had to make.

What would you do

Your baseline model doesn't match last year's actual freight and warehouse costs. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they validate a baseline carefully before trusting scenarios, since a bad baseline makes every scenario wrong.

You coordinate a modeling team. How do you set priorities when several business units all want their scenarios run this week?

What they are checking: Whether they can triage requests by business impact and keep the team focused instead of reacting to the loudest ask.

A scenario shows big savings but needs a large Capex investment and two years to implement. How would you present it?

What they are checking: Whether they can frame payback, transition risk and timing so leaders see the full picture beyond annual savings.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd build a network model to decide whether to close or consolidate a distribution center.

What they are checking: Whether they can structure a footprint study end to end, from data and constraints to scenarios and a recommendation.

What experience do you have with Llamasoft or similar network design tools, and what are their limits?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on modeling skill and know when the tool's output needs human judgment.

What costs and constraints matter most when you model manufacturing and distribution together for a food company?

What they are checking: Whether they understand freight, capacity, shelf life, temperature control and service levels in a food supply chain.

How do you account for risk, like a single plant producing an item, when the cheapest network looks too concentrated?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh resilience and supply risk, not just lowest cost, in footprint decisions.

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The full job description

As published by Kraft Heinz.

Job Description Here at Kraft Heinz, we grow our people to grow our business, because we believe that great people make great companies. When you join our table, you can expect access to an array of holistic wellness benefits* and perks, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 7% 401(k) matching, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to help foster diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all employees, an industry-leading total rewards package that emphasizes a high discretionary bonus. *Benefits begin immediately upon hire for salaried employees. Get a peek into life here at Kraft Heinz through our Instagram and TikTok channels! Lead, Network Optimization – NAZ at a glance... You will work within a high-performing global team to design best-in-class end-to-end supply chain strategies for the North America business. You will lead footprint optimization analyses, identifying opportunities to optimize our supply chain network in a cross-functional environment and delivering scenarios that support critical manufacturing and distribution decisions across the business. What's on the menu? • Lead manufacturing and distribution footprint projects, including coordination of cross-functional teams and modeling of complex supply chain networks • Develop and run optimization models using Llamasoft or similar tools • Coordinate the modeling team by setting priorities, providing business context, and guiding the solutions and scenarios to be tested • Assess end-to-end supply chain network capacity and capability across the North America footprint • Share guidelines and coordinate execution of Capacity Strategic Plans and long-term capacity planning processes, translating Finance and Commercial goals into Operations requirements to ensure a fit-for-purpose future network • Develop business recommendations that drive operational, financial, and service outcomes • Identify and support the implementation of supply chain efficiency projects • Act as a key point of contact for business units, supporting qualification of CAPEX projects related to capacity and innovation packages • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams globally, across zones, and countries, including Commercial, Operations, Logistics, Finance, Procurement, and HR, to drive network design initiatives Recipe for Success - apply now if this sounds like you! • I have years of relevant experience in footprint optimization, strategic planning, supply chain management, or supply chain finance within an FMCG environment • I have experience with data analytics, optimization, and simulation projects • I have experience with tools such as Tableau, Alteryx, SQL Server, Python, and Llamasoft • I have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, or a related field • I demonstrate proficiency in analytical skills, modelling, problem solving and critical thinking • I have strong project management and stakeholder management skills • I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and manage stakeholders at all levels of the organization and turn analysis into clear, well-rounded messages • I am a quick learner with the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects 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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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