Associate Product Development Manager - R&D

International Dairy Queen, Inc.•Bloomington, MN

17h•$88,536 - $108,457•Hybrid

About The Position

Working with the Product Development Director, the Associate Manager is responsible for brand-building new product design targeted at delighting Dairy Queen Fans. The Associate Product Development Manager collaborates across functions and applies strong technical, analytical, and operational judgment to recommend practical, creative solutions. This role drives initiatives to completion, influences cross-functional project teams, and serves as a subject matter expert for assigned product development projects. The manager prioritizes and executes multiple concurrent tasks and projects, communicates with an engaging and credible interpersonal style, and understands key business drivers and metrics. The role also conducts product evaluations, troubleshooting, and cost-of-goods reduction testing to maintain cost efficiency, quality, and marketplace competitiveness.

Requirements

Minimum of an undergraduate degree in food science, chemistry or related field
3-5 years of product development experience within a Food service company, QSR preferred.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Effective communication and presentation skills are required. Must be able to influence cross-functionally with ease and confidence.
Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities and project management plans to meet project objectives.
Ability to develop and grow relationships.
Must be a resourceful problem solver, bringing both logical and creative thinking to the decision-making process. Must be an engaged learner, bringing technical expertise from vendors and restaurant industry to help solve project related challenges.
Must remain focused on the end customer experience, designing ingredients and processes that consistently deliver product quality.
Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point, Outlook, Smartsheet, and Asana. FoodLogiQ knowledge a plus.
Ability to work in a QA/Product Development lab and factory environments for extended periods of time.
Ability to work occasionally on evenings and weekends, as necessary to meet project deadlines.
Must have the ability to travel 10% throughout US, Canada, and Internationally.
You must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

FoodLogiQ knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop new products for Dairy Queen. Projects will be both creative and technical in nature and must be well-managed and completed in a timely, cost-effective manner. Must take initiative in applying technical knowledge and skill to recommend solutions for all product and procedural challenges.
Collaborate with suppliers in the development of new ingredients and products. Along with the Director - Product Development, troubleshoot production challenges with vendors and recommend possible solutions. Approve the completion of ingredient and final product specifications. Alert management to issues relating to the approval of these specifications. Utilize project management skills to effectively manage projects.
Perform objective evaluation procedures including analytical and sensory measurements. Recognize product and procedural problems and take initiative to recommend solutions to problems by applying technical knowledge and skill.
Facilitate internal and external ideation and product exploration sessions. Transition new ideas into testable concepts for the brand.
Develop and build relationships with suppliers and other industry experts. Identify restaurant industry resources and build ability enlist technical and analytical support outside of the immediate team.
Actively collaborate with other developers to provide evaluation, assistance, troubleshooting where needed.
Dig deep to analyze consumer and operator comments and market research on new products. Keep informed of new trends and developments in the food industry.