Culinary Innovation & Product Development Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and launch new products, supporting KFC’s global innovation strategy from initial concept to market introduction.
• Collaborate with teams across functions and regions to ensure new menu items meet consumer needs, reinforce brand identity, and are practical for restaurant operations.
• Contribute to high-impact innovation projects that require culinary expertise, teamwork, and strategic alignment across global markets.

Here’s How You’ll Spice Things Up:

Culinary Innovation & Concept Development

• Create recipes that reflect KFC’s signature flavors.
• Lead the process of idea generation, prototyping, and product refinement using internal and supplier resources.
• Use culinary trends and competitive insights to suggest new product platforms.
• Organize and participate in tastings, refining concepts based on feedback.
• Deliver creative, insight-driven solutions that balance innovation, risk, and brand standards.

Cross-Functional & Commercialization Support

• Work with R&D, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Operations to turn culinary ideas into scalable menu items.
• Participate in consumer testing, market trials, and operational assessments.
• Ensure products meet quality, safety, and operational standards.
• Support the transition to market teams for supplier readiness and production validation.
• Establish consistent processes to manage project timelines and ensure timely product launches.

Kitchen Leadership & Culinary Storytelling

• Lead development sessions and tastings in the global test kitchen.
• Develop clear, engaging product narratives for internal and franchise audiences.
• Share knowledge across regions to strengthen team and market capabilities.

Vendor Collaboration & External Engagement

• Serve as the main contact with suppliers and co-manufacturers for ingredient development and product feasibility.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with global market stakeholders.
• Represent culinary innovation in key global initiatives and partnerships.

Education

• Culinary degree required or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 6–8 years in quick-service restaurants or food manufacturing, with a focus on culinary-driven product development.
• Proven experience turning culinary concepts into commercially successful products.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and integrating with operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong culinary creativity and a passion for innovative food.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Effective communicator with strong storytelling skills.
• Collaborative approach with experience working across technical and commercial teams.
• Attention to detail and a sense of ownership throughout the development process.