Associate Product Developer

YUM! Brands • Irvine, CA

397d • $86,300 - $101,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Product Developer is responsible for creating and developing new food products & ingredients for the US business. In addition, this person will hunt for new ideas to fulfill the product pipeline. This individual will influence and collaborate with partners inside and outside the business, including Operations, Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Supplier Partners, and Chefs to ensure all new programs meet the consumer, operations, and financial goals. This role also will include owning Ingredient Testing for all new ingredients developed by the Product Development (PD) team.

Requirements

• BA/BS or higher required; Science degree preferred in Food Science, Culinary, Chemistry, or related education.
• 3+ years work experience in food product development for restaurant and/or manufacturer.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work efficiently with a diverse range of peers and partners.
• Creative innovator with a strong knowledge and passion for food.
• Solutions-oriented developer who can manage a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to inspire and engage a cross-functional team.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Inspire, create, and develop trend-setting food products from prototype to commercialization.
• Ensure products meet consumer, operations, and financial needs.
• Participate in Product Development team working sessions, sharing and collaborating on ideas and prototypes.
• Collaborate with brand marketing and consumer insights to bring new innovations to market.
• Lead the cross-functional FIT project team to effectively commercialize new products.
• Ensure quality and safety standards are met and thoroughly tested.
• Create and oversee project timelines and problem-solve to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate and execute all new ingredient testing/studies, including planning and summarizing results.
• Manage the Ingredient Testing archive and keep Standard Operating Procedures up to date.
• Identify needs and support showings, development sessions, product evaluations, competitive analysis, and special events.
• Manage multiple suppliers and vendors, providing clear direction and feedback.
• Deliver presentations clearly and concisely in front of large audiences.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday.
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons.
• Onsite dining center and game room.
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, and 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 additional benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees