Manager, Product Development (Food Innovation)

KFC Europe•Irvine, CA

2h•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Innovation, the Product Development (PD) Manager is responsible for creating and developing new food products and ingredients for the Innovation pillar and other U.S. category teams. This role focuses on identifying, prototyping, and developing the next generation of game-changing product concepts, spending the majority of time ideating, testing, refining, and scaling products for national implementation across U.S. restaurants. The PD Manager will lead and collaborate with cross-functional partners across Operations, Brand Marketing, Consumer Insights, Supply Chain, Finance, Supplier Partners, and Culinary to shape strategy and establish scalable development processes. The ideal candidate is highly creative and possesses strong commercialization and manufacturing knowledge, enabling the successful translation of innovative ideas into viable, market ready products. This role manages at least one direct report responsible for leading projects from ideation through launch and is also accountable for directly leading programs from concept through commercialization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, nutrition, culinary or related education is required
7+ years experience in one of the following areas: Creative innovator working in food manufacturing product development Creative innovator working in culinary QSR/mid scale restaurants
Able to lead small team of junior developers
Understand the workings of BOH equipment and operations of a commercial kitchen
Solutions-orientated who can manage a fast-paced environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously and pivot as needed to meet deadlines
Ability to inspire, engage, develop with a cross functional team
Team player who can adapt to work efficiently with a wide range of people and styles
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications

Responsibilities

Inspire, create, and develop trend-setting food products from initial prototype through full commercialization, ensuring concepts meet consumer, operational, and financial objectives.
Collaborate with Brand Marketing and Consumer Insights partners to deliver “new-to-the-world” innovation and breakthrough product concepts.
Partner with Product Development Commercialization, Quality Assurance, and Food Safety teams to ensure products meet quality and safety standards and are thoroughly tested and validated.
Participate in Product Development team working sessions, contributing ideas, building on concepts, and advancing prototypes through collaboration.
Create and manage project timelines, proactively identifying risks and solving problems to ensure programs are delivered on schedule.
Proactively identify and support the planning, design, and execution of product showings, development sessions, product evaluations, competitive assessments, and special events.
Manage multiple suppliers and vendors by providing clear direction, actionable feedback, and defined next steps.
Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations in both written and verbal formats to large and diverse audiences.
Lead and develop a team of one to two Product Developers, providing guidance, coaching, and oversight of projects from ideation through launch

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, 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