Senior Intellectual Property Manager - Global Patents & Innovation

H.J. Heinz Co. Australia Ltd Company

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Chicago, IL Warrendale, PA Until 9/6/2026 5+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted July 8, 2026 Last posted July 8, 2026
Job description

Job Description

Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Manager - Global Patents & Innovation at a glance….

The Senior IP Manager, Global Patents & Innovation will partner with the global R&D organization to develop and execute strategies that protect and maximize the value of the company’s innovations. This role works closely with key R&D stakeholders to leverage appropriate agreements, patent filings, trade secret practices, and freedom-to-operate (FTO) reviews to help drive and sustain competitive advantage. This role reports to the Chief Counsel, Global Patents & Innovation.

This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite weekly out of 1 of 4 primary locations (See below):

  • World HQ in downtown Chicago, IL (Preferred)
  • R&D Center in Glenview, IL
  • Kraft Heinz Innovation Center - Warrendale, PA
  • Co-HQ in downtown Pittsburgh, PA

What’s on the menu?

  • Advise the global R&D function on the optimal strategy for protecting company innovations.
  • Develop, maintain, and regularly update comprehensive IP Strategy documents for key R&D innovation projects, documenting R&D agreements, patent filings, trade secrets, and freedom-to-operate reviews associated with those projects.
  • Collaborate with key R&D stakeholders to evaluate how R&D agreements, patent applications, trade secrets, and freedom-to-operate reviews can support business objectives and drive competitive advantage.
  • Lead regular patent portfolio reviews and manage the patent budget.
  • Support patent docket management to ensure accuracy and compliance with deadlines.
  • Design, prepare, and deliver intellectual property trainings for R&D and other internal stakeholders.

Recipe for Success – apply now if this sounds like you!

  • 5+ years of relevant R&D and/or patent-related experience.
  • Science or technology background in chemistry, biology, engineering, or related field.
  • Experience advising R&D stakeholders on strategies to protect innovations, including use of agreements, patent applications, trade secrets, and freedom-to-operate reviews to protect competitive advantage and investment in innovation.
  • Knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution practice, including Office Action response strategy and maintenance fee management. Preferably registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Strong communication and influencing skills.
  • Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Positive attitude and ability to interact effectively and professionally with third parties and stakeholders at all levels of the company.

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:

$120,800.00 - $151,000.00

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, Glenview R&D Center, Heinz Innovation Center, Pittsburgh/PPG

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.

About this role

Summary

Manage patent strategies, advise R&D, lead portfolio reviews, and develop IP policies.

Job title

Senior Intellectual Property Manager - Global Patents & Innovation

Experience level

5+ years

Minimum experience

5+ years exp

Industry

food and beverage

Location requirements

Hybrid role in Chicago, Glenview, Warrendale, or Pittsburgh, remote work allowed.

Salary

$121k–$151k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

U.S. patent prosecutionpatent strategytrade secretspatent filingsOffice Action response

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

patentsintellectual propertystrategic advisingtrade secretsFTO reviews
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Chicago, IL, USA

Hybrid City

Glenview, IL, USA

Hybrid City

Warrendale, PA, USA

Hybrid City

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Hybrid City