Innovation and Product Development Manager

7-Eleven • Irving, TX

3d

About The Position

The Innovation and Product Development Manager leads the creation, testing, and implementation of fresh food products and culinary programs intended to improve customer satisfaction and drive sales across 7-Eleven's retail network. The role combines culinary expertise and business acumen to develop scalable, operationally efficient food solutions aligned with consumer trends and brand strategy.

The manager oversees culinary development projects and works closely with Merchandising, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Strategic Sourcing, and other cross-functional teams. The role manages product development from concept through commercialization and execution, including research, recipe development, sourcing, cost analysis, operational testing, trials, launch, and post-launch optimization.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to evaluate and taste products across all food categories.
• Advanced culinary skills, including expertise in multiple cooking techniques, flavor development, and recipe formulation for scalable production environments.
• Strong understanding of food science principles, including ingredient functionality, shelf-life extension, and quality preservation methods.
• Proficiency in nutritional analysis software and recipe costing tools.
• Project management skills, including managing concurrent initiatives, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret consumer insights, sales data, and market trends.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain culinary concepts to non-technical audiences and executive leadership.
• Ability to translate culinary creativity into operationally feasible, cost-effective solutions that can be executed consistently across a large retail network.
• Experience with sensory evaluation methodologies and consumer testing protocols.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint, and project management tools.
• Vendor relationship management skills, including negotiating specifications, pricing, and quality standards with suppliers.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and build consensus.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Culinology, Food Science, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead fresh food innovation strategies, including new product concepts, recipe development, and menu optimization aligned with merchandising goals and consumer insights.
• Manage the culinary development process from ideation through commercialization, including recipe formulation, ingredient sourcing, cost analysis, and operational feasibility testing.
• Research culinary trends, consumer preferences, competitors, and market opportunities to inform innovation priorities.
• Work with Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain to identify and qualify suppliers, establish specifications, and meet product quality and cost targets.
• Develop and maintain product documentation, including recipes, preparation procedures, nutritional analysis, allergen information, and food safety protocols.
• Collaborate with Category Management, Operations, Commercialization, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet consumer, operational, and quality standards.
• Lead sensory evaluations, consumer testing, and market trials, using feedback to refine concepts before national rollout.
• Manage relationships with co-manufacturers, commissaries, and bakery partners to ensure specifications, quality standards, and production capabilities meet business requirements.
• Monitor post-launch product performance through sales analysis, customer feedback, and store visits; identify optimization opportunities and recommend improvements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager