Senior Product Development Manager

Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands. 

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.   

We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.

At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below. 

About the Job:

Senior Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the strategy and pipeline execution for Innovation by creating and developing new food platforms and products which drive brand buzz, improve brand perceptions and deliver business results. In addition, this person will also lead the FIT Idea Creation Tools. This individual will lead and collaborate with partners on strategy and develop process with working inside and outside the business, including Operations, Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Supplier Partners, and Chefs. The optimal candidate for this role will be highly creative with a vast knowledge of commercialization/manufacturing to be able to convert ideas into real products. This person will also be responsible with overseeing a team of product developers and chefs.

The Day-to-Day:

• Lead and inspire a team to create, and develop trend-setting food products all the way from prototype to being fully commercialized. Ensure they meet Taco Bell’s brand, consumer, operations, and financial goals
• Collaborate with marketing functions to bring new to the world big innovation
• Partner with PD Commercialization, QA & Food Safety to maintain quality and safety standards, and are thoroughly tested
• Oversee project timelines and pro-actively problem solve when required to ensure programs hit deadlines
• Build relationships with strategic suppliers and vendors, providing clear direction, feedback, and next steps
• Deliver presentations with a high degree of competence in a clear concise manner both written and verbally in front of large audiences
• Lead team of developers & chefs

Is This You?

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, nutrition, culinary or related education is required
• 12+ years experience in one of the following areas:
• Creative innovator working in food manufacturing product development
• Creative innovator working in culinary QSR/mid scale restaurants
• Able to lead team of developers
• Understand the workings of BOH equipment and operations of a commercial kitchen
• Solutions-orientated who can manage a fast-paced environment, handle multiple projects simultaneously and pivot as needed to meet deadlines
• Ability to inspire, engage, develop with a cross functional team
• Team player who can adapt to work efficiently with a wide range of people and styles
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

• Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons 
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building) 
• 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 
• Tuition reimbursement and education benefits 
• 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… honestly, too many good benefits to name 

Salary Range: ­­$148,700 – $175,000 annually + bonus eligibility + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Taco Bell, we Live Más and invite you to do the same. Take a seat at our table. Bring your voice. Bring you, just as you are, a Cultural Rebel. We want you to be your best self! 

Taco Bell 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.

Taco Bell is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.  

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Employment eligibility to work with Taco Bell in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

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