Manager, Product Development – Food Innovation
Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Irvine • California • United States
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Salary
💰 $137,900 - $158,000 per year
About the role
- 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
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
- People management experience preferred
- 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
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
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
food product developmentfood safetyquality assuranceproject managementculinary operationsproduct commercializationprototype developmentcompetitive assessmentsvendor managementpresentation skills
Soft Skills
creative innovationpeople managementproblem solvingteam collaborationcommunicationadaptabilityleadershiptime managementinspirationengagement