Manager, Product Innovation

$130,500 - $153,600/Yr

Taco Bell - Irvine, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Irvine, CA

5,001-10,000 employees

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Product Innovation Manager at Taco Bell is responsible for leading the development of a product innovation pipeline that enhances the brand's food story and drives cultural relevance. This role involves strategic planning, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and execution of product launches to ensure alignment with market trends and consumer insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead Pipeline Development, unlocking new category entry points and identifying whitespace opportunities.
• Execute a strong lineup of test launches and national launches within a 10-windowed experience year.
• Analyze the competitive food and beverage landscape and identify new and emerging food trends.
• Translate consumer insights into new menu innovation opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to test and validate new product concepts.
• Partner with Brand, Creative, and Advertising teams on creative communications and promotions.
• Translate brand, business, and marketing strategies into pipeline-specific objectives.
• Provide onboarding, ongoing training, and effective coaching to Direct Reports.

Requirements

• BA or BS Degree; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant experience including 3-5 years in CPG product or QSR/Restaurant industry.
• 2+ years in a management/leadership role.
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, and planning skills.
• Experience developing and tracking Marketing KPIs.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management, presentation, and interpersonal/influencing skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Genuine passion for food and customer experience.
• Positive, can-do attitude and collaborative leadership style.

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, 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 more.