Client is looking for a Director- Food Innovation in the Plano, TX area. Hybrid, 3-4 days a week on site:
Must haves:
12+ years experience in food innovation/ R&D leadership experience in a multi-unit restaurant/ retail brand (or CPG/ manufacturing equivalent)
Proven leadership background across a globally diverse, matrixed/ franchised organization
Strategic thought leader with proven experience leading/ developing teams
Experience with food manufacturing and culinary trends
Strong understanding of the food commercialization process
Pluses:
Experience with Pizza related food science (dough systems, cheese/ dairy, etc.)
Day to day:
An employer is looking for a Director of Food Innovation in the Plano, TX area. You will primarily be tasked with leading the development for the clients innovation pipeline grounded in consumer insights, culinary trends, and business needs. You will direct the development/ commercialization of all Americas menu innovation and optimization initiatives with a focus on craveability and taste. You will partner closely with global menu strategy, global culinary innovation and key marketing leaders to support locally relevant menu innovations. You will also translate brand and menu strategy in to a robust pipeline to deliver growth for the business, leading the menu innovation process from ideation through development, commercialization, validation and implementation. Additional tasks will include coaching/ developing direct reports, developing ecosystem of supplier partners and SMEs to bring the proper resources/ expertise and take direction from the culinary team to execute off of.