Culinary Innovation Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Habit Burger Grill is looking for an individual with a strong operations and restaurant background who has a passion for innovating new culinary experiences.

Reporting to and working in close collaboration with the Director, Culinary & Innovation, this role manages key elements of the product development D process.

Responsibilities include overseeing sample reviews, cooking validations, vendor workshops, and organoleptic studies. The role also tracks project completion, designs product tastings, and coordinates with cross-department partners to ensure alignment within the brand.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide management for FIT D (Dive, Discover, Design, Deliver) process
• Manage sample review process by gathering feedback, and assessing operational feasibility
• Manage cooking validations to ensure quality, safety, consistency, and customer satisfaction
• Manage Vendor workshops
• Track project completion for Food Innovation Team and ensure deliverables are met in a timely manner
• Manage organoleptic studies
• Oversee various brand initiatives and work closely with cross department partners to ensure all relevant parties are informed and aligned.
• Design and manage product tastings

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• years of experience in Fast Casual or Casual Dining Restaurant
• Multi-unit restaurant experience
• Food Manufacturing experience a plus
• Strong project management skills
• Successful track record with Food & Beverage Innovation
• Skilled with utilizing and analyzing financial metrics
• Understanding of Organoleptics
• Led an Innovation team
• Skilled in preparing and delivering presentations to varying levels of an organization
• Strong Operations experience
• Ability to work on-site days a week in Irvine, CA area

COMPENSATION

Salary Range : $, to $, annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Yum! Brands and at The Habit Restaurants, LLC, one of our core values is to Believe in ALL People. This means seeing the value in everyone and unlocking their full potential to be their best self.

The Habit Restaurants, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity.

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.

US Job Seekers / Employees - to view the Know Your Rights poster and supplement and the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

Employment eligibility to work with Yum! in the is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

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BENEFITS

Competitive base pay with benefits including : Up to weeks of vacation per year plus additional sick days Up to Paid Holidays + Floating holidays The company provided Recharge Days to unplug and reenergize Competitive bonus program for eligible roles Recognition-based culture.

FAMILY BENEFITS :

• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits including prescription drug benefits & % preventative care starting on Day
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program available to all employees and their dependents
• Bereavement time off

ADDITIONAL PERKS :

Onsite gym with brand new equipment and fitness classes

k) benefit plan with a % matching contribution

• Up to Paid Days to Volunteer for any non-profit or charitable organization important to you
• Access to LinkedIn Learning

NOTE : This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Team Members may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.