Project Manager, Product Development (R&D)

KFC•Irvine, CA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Sr. Associate Manager of Product Development (LMC & Core Beverages), this product developer is responsible for creating, developing and commercializing new beverage products & ingredients for the US. Taco Bell is known for Innovation as this developer will focus on areas hunting for new ideas to fulfill the Beverage pipeline along with new food offering into LMC. This individual will influence and collaborate with partners inside and outside the business, including Operations, Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Supplier Partners, and Chefs to ensure all new programs meet the consumer, operations, and financial goals. An ideal candidate for this role will be a creative thinker with an ability to collaborate and convert ideas into real products with trending beverages/food in mind applicable to TB LMC and in restaurants today.

Requirements

BA/BS or higher required; Science degree preferred in either Food science, Culinary, Chemistry or related education is required
3-5+ years work experience in beverage and food product development for restaurant and/or manufacturer
Team player who has strong ability to communicate clearly and effectively, as well as work efficiently and adapt to styles of a wide range of peers and partners
Creative innovator with a knowledge and passion for food
Solutions-orientated developer 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
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications
In person 3-5 days a week

Responsibilities

Inspire, create, and develop trend-setting beverage ingredients, from prototype to commercialized. Ensure they meet our consumer, operations, and financial needs
Participate in Product Development team working sessions, sharing, collaborating and building on ideas and prototypes
Collaborate with brand marketing, and consumer insights peers understanding beverage cost of sales targets and guardrails
Partner with PD, Commercialization, QA & Restaurant Food Safety to maintain quality and safety standards, and are thoroughly tested to confirm
Follow and create project timelines and problem solve when required to ensure programs hit deadlines
Proactively identify the needs, design, execution of product showings and development sessions. Assist/participate in product evaluations, competitive analysis, and special events
Manage multiple suppliers and vendors, providing clear direction, feedback, and next steps
Deliver presentations with a high degree of competence in a clear concise manner both written and verbally in front of leadership and large audiences

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