Program Manager

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC - A Yum! Brands Co-op•Irvine, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a Yum! Brands Co-op is currently seeking a Program Manager to join the Habit Operations Team in Irvine, California. This role supports flawless execution of supply chain initiatives for The Habit Burger Grill, serving 390+ restaurants nationwide. The Program Manager collaborates with RSCS, suppliers, distributors, and brand partners to manage projects that enable uninterrupted supply, cost optimization, and operational excellence. Key areas of responsibility include: Testing new products and core menu upgrades, Driving Restaurant Margin Improvement (RMI) initiatives, Specification optimization testing and implementation, Supporting restaurant development, equipment assets, and smallwares. This is a hybrid role: on site 2-3 days/week at the Taco Bell Headquarters in Irvine, CA.

Requirements

3–5 years of business experience in one or more of the following areas: Demand Planning, Project Management, Program Management, Supply Chain, Operations, and/or Procurement.
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field.
Role model RSCS’s World Class with Class (WC2) Cultural Values
Strong project management and collaboration skills
Ability to influence decisions and outcomes.
Process orientation and problem-solving capability.
Data analysis and insight development
Negotiation skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Attention to detail and ability to multitask.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Presentation skills geared toward Director/VP levels.

Nice To Haves

Experience with food/packaging supply chain planning or project management in the restaurant/foodservice, distribution, and/or manufacturing environment.
MBA or master’s in supply chain management.
APICS CPIM, Six Sigma Green Belt, ISM CPSM certifications.

Responsibilities

Manage and execute supply chain initiatives from test kitchen concept through commercialization for national launch.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners, suppliers, and distributors to develop supply strategies that minimize risk and maximize flexibility.
Identify and document supply chain requirements for all initiatives, including planning contingencies, capacity assurance, and ingredient procurement timelines.
Capture and apply key learnings to drive continuous improvement and future planning.
Manage program documentation including inventory authorizations and notifications.
Execute cost-saving strategies that deliver margin improvement while maintaining quality, food safety, and customer experience.
Support development of a multi-year roadmap for margin improvement initiatives in alignment with leadership.
Facilitate monthly alignment between RSCS and brand for financial reporting and analysis.
Provide timely updates and insights to RSCS, brand partners, and leadership.
Partner with Habit brand asset and operations teams to align on new designs, specifications, processes, and strategies.
Manage development pipeline and equipment base business needs to ensure supply continuity.
Drive actions to reduce costs and lead times in support of RMI opportunities.
Serve as a single point of contact for internal and external partners to ensure alignment and connectivity.
Develop and maintain key relationships with internal and external partners including brand, suppliers, and distributors.
Drive a culture of collaboration in a matrixed organization.
Lead special projects and other duties as assigned by management.