Lead, State Affairs – West

Overview

The Kraft Heinz Company is a global food and beverage company with a long history and a portfolio of brands across condiments, cheese and dairy, meals, meats, beverages, coffee, infant and nutrition products, and other grocery items. The company is committed to responsible, sustainable practices and community partnerships, including global initiatives to support meals for those in need.
Position

State Government Affairs – West Coast (Washington, DC or Chicago, IL) – State Affairs Leader of the West Coast.
Position Summary

The State Affairs Leader will drive Kraft Heinz Company’s state-level advocacy efforts to shape public policy and advance business objectives. The role reports to the Associate Director of State Government Affairs and focuses on priority states to promote and protect KHC’s interests and long-term growth.
Primary Responsibilities

Lead government affairs for a region of states to increase KHC’s influence on state legislation; set priorities and strategies.
Serve as the primary state lobbyist in priority states: draft
egotiates bill language and amendments, recruit sponsors, deliver testimony, and drive committee/floor outcomes.
Support and maintain strategic, bipartisan relationships with governors’ offices, legislative leadership, and chairs of key committees; develop relationship maps and engagement plans.
Act as a subject-matter expert in at least two KHC-relevant policy areas; produce position papers, model bill text, executive briefs, and public comments; represent KHC in rulemaking and stakeholder forums.
Build and lead coalitions with companies, suppliers, retailers, chambers, NGOs, and trade associations.
Monitor and forecast state legislative, regulatory, and ballot initiatives; provide early-warning alerts with recommended actions.
Manage external consultants/contract lobbyists, budgets, and performance; ensure state lobbying registrations, reporting, and ethics/pay-to-play compliance.
Coordinate cross-functionally (Legal, Regulatory, R&D, Supply Chain, ESG, Commercial, HR, Communications) to support state-level crisis/issue response strategy.
Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.
Deep knowledge of state legislative/regulatory processes and state lobbying compliance.
Exceptional advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills; ability to translate complex policy into clear business implications.
Strong project, budget, and vendor management; KPI- and outcome-oriented.
High integrity, nonpartisan judgment, and discretion with sensitive information.
Willingness to travel.
Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (JD, MA, MBA, etc.).
Corporate experience on a state government affairs team.
Demonstrated senior-level experience within state or local government.
Required Experience

8+ years in state government (legislature, governor/AG office, or state agency) or state lobbying experience; proven record drafting
egotiating legislation and regulations, delivering testimony, and securing enactments or defeating adverse proposals.
Established relationships with governors’ offices, legislative leadership, and key committee chairs across multiple states.
Demonstrated subject-matter depth in at least two areas relevant to KHC (e.g., food safety/labeling; agriculture and nutrition programs; packaging/EPR; tax/incentives; workforce/labor; environment/climate; privacy/data), evidenced by authored comments/testimony or task force participation.
Experience managing external consultants/contract lobbyists and leading cross-functional issue teams.
Coalition-building experience and engagement with state policy organizations (e.g., NCSL, CSG, NGA).
EEO Policy

Kraft Heinz is an EO employer – Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled and other protected categories.
Compensation and Benefits

New Hire Base Salary Range: $141,500.00 - $176,900.00. 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 geographic region and experience.
Benefits include health coverage for employees and eligible dependents, with plans tailored to meet individual and family needs. Wellbeing programs and opportunities are offered to support physical, social, emotional, and financial wellness.
Location

Chicago/Aon Center, Govt Relations Office.
Equal Opportunity

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. Applicants requiring accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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