Culinary Innovation & Product Development ManagerYum Brands • Plano, TX, US

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Culinary Innovation & Product Development Manager

Yum Brands • Plano, TX, US

30+ days ago

Job type

Full-time

Job description

Culinary Innovation & Product Development Manager

The Culinary Innovation & Product Development Manager leads the development of new menu items for KFC by turning culinary concepts into appealing, operationally practical products. This role supports the creation, testing, and launch of products for KFC's global markets, ensuring they meet the brand's quality and flavor standards.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and launch new products, supporting KFC's global innovation strategy from initial concept to market introduction.
Collaborate with teams across functions and regions to ensure new menu items meet consumer needs, reinforce brand identity, and are practical for restaurant operations.
Contribute to high-impact innovation projects that require culinary expertise, teamwork, and strategic alignment across global markets.

Culinary Innovation & Concept Development

Create recipes that reflect KFC's signature flavors.

Lead the process of idea generation, prototyping, and product refinement using internal and supplier resources.

Use culinary trends and competitive insights to suggest new product platforms.

Organize and participate in tastings, refining concepts based on feedback.

Deliver creative, insight-driven solutions that balance innovation, risk, and brand standards.

Cross-Functional & Commercialization Support

Work with R&D, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Operations to turn culinary ideas into scalable menu items.

Participate in consumer testing, market trials, and operational assessments.

Ensure products meet quality, safety, and operational standards.

Support the transition to market teams for supplier readiness and production validation.

Establish consistent processes to manage project timelines and ensure timely product launches.

Kitchen Leadership & Culinary Storytelling

Lead development sessions and tastings in the global test kitchen.

Develop clear, engaging product narratives for internal and franchise audiences.

Share knowledge across regions to strengthen team and market capabilities.

Vendor Collaboration & External Engagement

Serve as the main contact with suppliers and co-manufacturers for ingredient development and product feasibility.

Build and maintain strong relationships with global market stakeholders.

Represent culinary innovation in key global initiatives and partnerships.

What You Bring to the Table

Education

Culinary degree required or equivalent experience.

Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field preferred.

Experience

68 years in quick-service restaurants or food manufacturing, with a focus on culinary-driven product development.

Proven experience turning culinary concepts into commercially successful products.

Experience collaborating with suppliers and integrating with operations.

Skills & Competencies

Strong culinary creativity and a passion for innovative food.

Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Effective communicator with strong storytelling skills.

Collaborative approach with experience working across technical and commercial teams.

Attention to detail and a sense of ownership throughout the development process.

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Product Development Manager • Plano, TX, US

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