Brand Innovation Programs Associate Manager

Summary of Job Description :

The Brand Innovation Programs Associate Manager is responsible for collaborating and contributing to brand innovation activities that bring the brand vision and strategy to life through Operations excellence.

This position supports managers in the delivery of break-through innovation and Operations Excellence programs based on a deep understanding of Operations, target guest, market trends, product, company, category, and competitive insights.

This position also conducts analyses and contributes to brand strategy and planning.

You’ll get a chance to :

• Support project managers on key elements of national Operations Excellence programs (e.g. drive-through optimization strategy, Front of House (FOH) & Back of House (BOH) improvements, Ops testing and / or launch, training (including materials), project budgets, signage, contingency planning, and stakeholder alignment).
• Help lead bringing to life innovation strategy by leveraging Operations, guest, competitive, company and category data and insights.
• Regularly support and contribute to analyses using various data sources, including category, guest, store performance and brand research, to help managers and Operators optimize plans, gain alignments and measure program success.
• Manage cross functional relationships across Operations and Support Center Departments (e.g. Operations Support, Information Systems, Finance, Learning & Development etc.

to ensure successful program implementation.

• Effectively communicate with cross-functional teams and / or agency partners to inspire, inform and activate team members, colleagues, and management to align on project timelines, budgets and deliverables.
• Lead delivery of deep consumer, Operations and product data and insights to inform marketing communications and innovation plans.
• Act as a brand and Operator steward with deep knowledge of Operations and working knowledge of the brand architecture, positioning, and guest targets.
• Apply this across all Operations Excellence activities.

How we reward you :

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*

Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates

Your background and experience :

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field required
• Minimum five years of marketing, Operations and project management experience, preferably in a retail / hospitality environment
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Panda Strong since 1983

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,000 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.

Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You’re wanted here

We value diversity in all forms and know the strength it brings. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to blossom, diverse points of view to be heard, and improves overall happiness.

We like the sound of that.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and any other basis protected by the laws which apply where we operate.

Panda provides accommodations for disabilities and religious observance purposes as required by law.