Primarily works with VP of Product Innovation and Development to ensure smooth product development and execution, from ideation to launch. Oversees Culinary Team and works on a strategic level on initiatives including: LTO pipeline, project timeline oversight, collaborating with New Product Marketing on related issues and core menu product improvements. Responsible for appropriate cross-functional communication with Ops, Procurement, Insights (primarily around product testing), Commercialization and Quality Assurance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works directly with VP of Product Innovation to determine the annual product, financial and culinary goals for Product Innovation; ideates, innovates and collaborates to prioritize projects based on business needs
• Works with VP of Product Innovation on project prioritization, to ensure proper timing of deliverables for product pipeline. Support the Product Innovation team in delivering against organizational and personal goals, objectives, and strategies
• Works independently on development projects, with check-ins & guidance from supervisor as needed, and participate in the creation of new product development objectives while collaborating with cross functional teams including: New Product Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Commercialization, Quality Assurance, Brand Marketing and others as appropriate
• Independently work with vendor partners to develop new products from gold-standard product to initial benchtop samples and through commercialization process. Own development of products. Make recommendations for improvements to current prototypes.
• Provide raw material/formula specifications to Agile lead
• Lead product taste tests and new product showings. Present product improvement/change recommendations based on taste test results and/or feedback to Culinary Innovation leadership
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams on strategic planning initiatives; represents Product Innovation on pipeline, calendar and timeline initiatives
• Oversees and leads Product Developers for product development, project timelines and deliverables. Ensures timely delivery of products; informs VP of critical timeline issues as is appropriate
• Works with VP of Product Innovation to coach, counsel and develop Innovation team members
• Works cross-functionally to interpret testing results, disseminates appropriate information to team, works to establish timeline correction for deliverables
• Leads cross-functional communication efforts as is appropriate including: Operations, Supply, Quality Assurance and Equipment
• Manages appropriate budgets
• Participates in food ideation sessions
• Other duties assigned as needed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• 4 Year / Bachelors Degree - A culinary or Food related degree is required for this position
• 5-7 years’ experience in a culinary or product development role required. Experience in QSR culinary development highly preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES

• True Passion for food!
• Team player; collegial - good at supporting teams
• Incorporate a ‘best first’ mentality and mindset that continues accelerate our innovation process
• Excellent oral and written communication skills & presentation capabilities
• Ability to set goals, determine priorities, plan, organize & follow through on assigned responsibilities
• Ability to make recommendations & decisions in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently & as a member of a team
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Accuracy & attention to detail an absolute must
• Highly creative with an ability to be flexible & open to new ideas
• Proven ability to multi-task with little direct supervision
• Demonstrate effective time & project management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills & an understanding of the importance of embracing & fitting into company culture to achieve success with the ability to earn the trust of people devoted to the Sonic way of doing things; empowering people to accept intelligent change as a subtle but effective agent of change
• Excellent communication skills in multiple mediums to multiple audiences including public speaking & written (including electronic communications)
• Flexibility to work within an open concept office environment & within established guidelines
• Proficient in using Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel & other relevant software programs.

Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes nearly 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC Drive-In restaurants worldwide.

We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.