Sr. Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Yum!•Irvine, CA

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President Product Innovation & Global Engineering, as the Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering, you will be responsible for managing multiple Taco Bell engineers while developing and leading all back of house equipment strategies, objectives, and annual operating plans of TB 8,000+ restaurants. This role is responsible for developing and leading all back of house Kitchen equipment, smallware’s and production line development. This includes close partnership with Operations, Asset Development, Product Development, Quality assurance, Supply Chain, suppliers and franchisees to ensure kitchen efficiency and designs which are ‘fit for use’. This role includes focus on quality, new technology, cost optimization, continuous improvement with the primary goal of improving the team members experience. In addition, this role leads supplier partnerships (innovation, crises, action plan, probation, continuous improvement), manages daily crises, and sets brand standards. This role and team work directly with operations, technology, supply chain and franchise on the day to day and future development. While as a business Taco Bell is a restaurant company, we are driven through our relational culture – it’s all about people. In your role, you will interact with Suppliers, Restaurant Team Members, Restaurant General Managers, Franchisee Business Owners and Cross-functional partners (Marketing, Operations, Financial Strategists, Food Product Developers, Quality Assurance, Facilities Maintenance – and yes, lead and coach other Engineers). The number of people and the diversity of professionals who you will be teaming with is vast! You’ll have the opportunity to lead, influence, and project manage others. In summary, we’re not looking for heroes, but collaborators.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering with at least 10+ years of experience.
5+ years experience coaching and leading multi discipline highly technical and creative teams.
Excellent executive presence, interpersonal, and presentation skills with ability to form strong relationships with various levels of an organization while being able to influence and persuade.
Self-motivated individual that can work “hands on” as well as having strong entrepreneurial spirit that adapts readily to change.
Comfortable acting as an individual contributor and leading and collaborating with broader teams
Ability to lead external vendors and cross brand partnerships to execute projects.
Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize time in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
Strong knowledge of continuous process improvement processes, methods, and programs
Experience with data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, CAD, SOLIDWORKS)
Must be able to travel domestically and internationally 10-30% of the time
Local travel around Orange County, CA is also common

Nice To Haves

Experience in restaurant/retail operations, or engineering/mechanical, food processing or automation preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of engineers who design from idea to national launch, all initiatives regarding back of house kitchen equipment, smallware’s and production lines.
Ensure all new and existing equipment” meets Brand and Regulatory specifications and performance including leading the test and approve process.
Drive external partners on new innovation for the kitchen of the future and support Restaurant evolution programs.
Proactively conduct “supplier business reviews” along with SCM to ensure feedback and mutual initiatives are implemented.
Provide results-oriented technical support to field operators on equipment issues in existing restaurants.
Ensure suppliers are capable of developing, manufacturing and commercializing key equipment with brand standard quality and performance, in conjunction with SCM.
Utilize project management processes to scope, cost, and deliver against projects and priorities.
Drive a “People First” culture by actively coaching, developing, & growing a world class engineering team.
Build strong ties with peers in all YUM! global engineering teams leveraging resources that enable technical wins for the brand.
Focus 75% time to US business and 25% to International Business Units

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