Associate Manager, Food Innovation & Commercialization

Yum!•Irvine, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Manager, International Food Innovation & Commercialization, supports the development and execution of innovative food products and ingredient strategies for international markets, reporting to the International Food Innovation & Commercialization Manager. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams, including QA, Food Safety, PD, and Commercialization, to ensure quality and food safety standards are met throughout the product lifecycle. Additionally, the Associate Manager works closely with regional Business Units to assist with new market entries, market resets, and ingredient commercialization. The ideal candidate brings creativity, organizational skills, and technical expertise to help deliver impactful business results, including meeting brand food standards, increased sales, cost efficiencies, and market growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, nutrition, culinary, or related field
5+ years of experience in quick service restaurants, consumer packaged goods, and/or food manufacturing
Experience leading product innovation from concept through commercialization, including cross-functional coordination (operations, supply chain, marketing)
Experience with food ingredient manufacturing (e.g., meats, grains, sauces/seasonings, dairy, produce)
Experience working in a test kitchen, pilot plant, and/or manufacturing environment
Experience managing supplier or external partner relationships
Ability to analyze data and identify trends to inform business decisions
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
Willingness to travel internationally (~20%)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with packaging, back-of-house equipment, nutrition, or sustainability considerations is a plus

Responsibilities

Assist in the development and commercialization of innovative food products and ingredients for international markets, ensuring alignment with brand, consumer, operational, and financial goals.
Collaborate with regional Business Units (LAC, EU, APAC) and cross-functional teams (Operations, Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance) to support the execution of global food innovation strategies.
Contribute to the management of new market entries, market resets, and ingredient commercialization, ensuring projects meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Partner with supplier networks, chefs, and external vendors to support the development and refinement of product concepts through actionable feedback.
Monitor project timelines, track deliverables, and escalate potential challenges to ensure successful on-time delivery of initiatives.
Coordinate and assist in focus groups, development sessions, product evaluations, competitive analysis, and regional innovation workshops to gather insights and refine ideas.
Prepare and deliver updates, project summaries, and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
Research and monitor global and regional food trends to inspire and inform product development efforts.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule (onsite expectation Tues, Wed, Thurs) and year-round flex day Friday
Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, and carwash
Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name