Brand Innovation Manager (Menu Innovation)

Responsibilities

• Clearly articulate Panda brand vision and strategy inclusive of guest target, brand personality and positioning and business objectives for menu design.
• Generate and test bold menu concepts rooted in brand vision and strategy, culinary trends, guest insights; Translate findings into clear product briefs, menu recommendations and launch proposals.
• Track, decode and activate emerging food and beverage trends, evolving guest behaviors and category shifts to define forward-facing points of view and whitespace opportunities to inform brand and innovation strategies.
• Partner with and/or lead cross-functional innovation teams across Culinary, Insights, Marketing Communications, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Leadership. Drive alignment, advocacy and excitement for initiatives, guest and operations partners throughout.
• Define and activate thoughtful, people-centered change strategies that bring innovations to life across the organization; Partner with Operations, Learning & Development and Marketing teams to craft storytelling that ensures smooth adoption and organizational readiness.
• Identify and evaluate brand, supplier, chef and culinary influencer partnerships that elevate our menu and strengthen our cultural footprint.
• Conduct consumer research and business analytics to validate, inform and optimize menu strategy; Capture and activate past product learnings and operational understanding; Deliver insights and data to Marketing Communications and Commercialization teams for successful commercialization and launch.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field required; MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of directly applicable marketing experience, preferably in a nationally branded retail/hospitality environment with increasing managerial experience.
• 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.