Product Innovation Associate Manager

Panda Restaurant Group • Rosemead, CA

3d • $90,000 - $126,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Innovation Associate Manager is responsible for the development, testing, and implementation of new products. This position manages suppliers to develop, manufacture new ingredients and test through system rollout. The Product Innovation Associate Manager aligns the efforts of Product Innovation, Restaurant Operations, and internal cross-functional team members to approve the new ingredients and menu items.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field required
• 5+ years of experience in product development within food industry- consumer packaged goods, quick service, casual dining, or manufacturing.
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Responsibilities

• Manages highly complex and high profile projects through the product acceptance process, working with cross-functional teams.
• Gains approval for testing of new ingredients/products, develops and communicates project timelines, and manages projects to meet deadlines.
• Tracks the process of designing, developing, manufacturing, modifying, and evaluating new ingredients/products.
• Helps identify potential new ingredient/product opportunities and creates ingredients/products that meet specific Product Development goals.
• Works with suppliers to develop and manufacture the actual ingredient/product.
• Implements tests at the store level, working with Operations leaders to meet test objectives and gain approval to move forward into mass production of the new ingredient/product.
• Works with suppliers to scale up the ingredient/product for system-wide promotion and implementation.
• Monitors production of the ingredients, labels and all matters related to finished product packaging.
• Drafts and works with suppliers to finalize Finished Product Specifications.
• Develop procedures for recipe and product roll-out to ensure field readiness, incorporating input from Operations.

Benefits

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance
• Bereavement leave
• Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

What This Job Offers

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