Food Innovation Technology Manager

PURPOSE :

Capture the essence of the whole job in one or two sentences.

The Food Innovation Technology Manager is the heart of our business and can balance the art and science of innovation and development the passion for food and innovation with the technical chops to make it a reality.

This role works with the CMO, Operations, Restaurant Excellence and Supply Chain to lead and support strategic initiatives, to develop and commercialize product innovation across our world-famous fried chicken (meeting brand standards), new product development & limited time offers and sustainability solutions.

JOB Responsibilities :

• Supervises the construction of all new restaurants. Include results, complexity & problem solving in the role.
• Lead the Food Innovation & Technology team to deliver on Annual Operating Plan innovation requirements, long- and short-term innovation strategy and develop future talent pipeline
• Lead the development of menu items and innovation strategies that will build the brand over time and deliver on sales, transactions and profitability through validation and commercialization of new and enhanced ingredients, products and packaging
• Partner with the Marketing Innovation team to build and validate the innovation pipeline through our 4D product development model
• Develop specifications for all new and enhanced ingredients, products and packaging and partnering with Supply Chain to validate core ingredient contingency plans
• Commercialize products by conducting plant trials, first productions and alternative processing methods and options
• Actively seek and investigate continuous improvement opportunities and alternative processing methods and options
• Partner with the cross-functional team to deliver on marketing and growth strategy and deliver on retail calendar, market test and menu vision plans
• Manage and lead the test kitchen, including the day-to-day test kitchen maintenance and product showings and tastings
• Partner with Marketing Insights and Innovation to conduct and analyze consumer and sensory research
• Manage QA lead to ensure product compliance with CFIA regulations
• Conduct and report competitive product and ingredient research and findings
• Cement KFC Canada’s leadership as a loved and trusted brand by leading a future back strategy to unlock good’ commitments on Food & Planet, developing innovation solutions that live up to Finger Lickin’ Good Food & Planet

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIRED :

• Post-secondary Food Science degree or related (Food Innovation and / or Development) program. Culinary background preferred
• 7+ years experience within food related industry
• Demonstrated experience and success in new product development, Quality Assurance and product roll-outs
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously with ambitious timelines
• Passion for all types of food required
• Packaging experience preferred
• Familiarity with the Canadian Packaging & Labeling Act, Canadian Weights & Measurements, Food & Drug Act, CFIA Meat Inspection Act, general CFIA & Health Canada guidelines
• Training in HACCP, SPC, GMPs, Auditing, Microbiology
• Experience partnering on sensory and consumer research
• Familiarity with restaurant operations preferred
14 days ago