Brand Innovation Associate Manager (Menu Innovation)

Summary of Job Description :

The Brand Innovation Associate Manager is responsible for conducting brand innovation activities that drive business impact and bring the brand vision and strategy to life.

This position supports the delivery of break-through programs based on a deep understanding of the target guest, operations, market trends, product category, and competitive insights.

This position also conducts business impact analyses, manages cross-functional project teams, and contributes to brand innovation strategy and planning.

You’ll get a chance to :

• Serve as day-to-day project manager on key initiatives and / or national initiatives related to brand, sustainability, innovation testing and / or launches, legislative compliance, training and / or team projects).
• Responsible for effective management and delivering results, on-time and on-budget delivery, contingency plans, and post-mortem learnings.
• Contribute to strategy and plans (i.e. brand, innovation and / or marketing communications) by identifying and defining relevant guest, competitive and category data and insights that will drive business results for Panda.
• Regularly conduct business impact analyses, defining parameters and metrics, using various data sources, including syndicated, category, competitive, guest and brand research, to optimize activities, plan and measure program success, including impact on store revenues, profitability and guest impact.
• May conduct market research, participate in product testing and similar Marketing activities.
• Effectively communicate and manage cross-functional teams and / or agency partners on project goals and deliverables.
• Serve as lead communicator to inform management of relevant and key project milestones & updates.
• Deliver deep consumer and product insights to inform communications strategy and innovation leadership for successful commercialization and launch.
• Act as a brand steward, having a deep knowledge of the brand architecture, positioning, and guest targets and applying this consistently across all marketing activities.
• Help ensure consistent brand position through innovation.

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, Communications or related field required
• Minimum five years of marketing 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.

Pay Range : P3 : $90,000 - $126,500 / Annual

Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

Panda Strong since 1983 :

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 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 bloom, 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 is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex / gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status.

Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodations.

If there is a reason you believe you require an accommodation, please reach out to our accommodation team vie email at [email protected].

ADA Statement :

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time.

Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy.

Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers.

Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts / difficult situations.

Panda Strong since 1983 :

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,300 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 bloom, 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 is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex / gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status.

Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodations.

If there is a reason you believe you require an accommodation, please reach out to our accommodation team vie email at [email protected].

How we reward you :

• Free meals at work
• Generous compensation package with bonus opportunities
• Discounts at theme parks, gym memberships, and much more
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• On-going career and leadership development, including comprehensive training
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships
• Lucrative associate referral bonus
• Income protection including Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
• Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.