New Product Development Manager

We’re KFC, an iconic brand serving world-famous finger lickin’ good fried chicken since 1952. With more than 28,000 restaurants across 150 countries and territories, our people and culture are at the heart of everything we do—creating an environment where individuals can be their best selves, make a difference, and have fun. Our KFC Global division, based in Dallas, TX, supports regional teams, franchise partners, and nearly one million team members worldwide. With a hybrid work environment and strong cross-functional collaboration, we work together to share the joy of great-tasting chicken across the globe. As part of Yum! Brands, we also collaborate with leading brands like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill.

Responsibilities

• Product development across categories, ensuring compliance in terms of KFC restricted ingredients list (global alignment), allergens, nutritional information as well as relevant legislation
• Completing of product builds process, ingredients validations, portioning tests, shelf-life tests
• Completing full interim and full NPD Ops validations with NPD Ops consultant
• Completing indicative BOMs (bill of materials) once quantities and ingredients have been finalized
• To document and write up procedures (CSL’s) for all new products developed as well as make changes to any existing procedures when necessary
• To liaise and sign off all product BOH procedures with Ops team
• Requesting samples and product specifications from suppliers
• Arranging samples for all consumer research, product presentations, menu shoots, tastings and validations well in advance
• Attend all consumer research nationally and ensure products are prepared correctly and on time
• To sign off production lines at supplier facilities and product specifications on new products for market test and launch.
• Signing off on all new product and packaging specifications
• Arrange and liaise with test kitchen supervisor on product builds for all tastings and presentations, including set up
• Liaising with NPD Assistant to ensure ingredients availability for all tastings and presentations. Ensuring builds are aligned with NPD assistant before any tastings take place.
• Improve existing products/packaging, by optimization of raw material usage and cost saving initiatives
• Drive creation of NPD pipeline for the various categories (Burgers, Boxes, Beverages, Snacking, Value etc.)
• Sharing updates of all projects with the cross functional teams in the relevant forums
• Sharing updates with FIT Lead in status meetings and team meetings

Problem Solving And Analysis

• Being able to calculate yield, wastage and determine shelf life of ingredients.
• Being able to develop/suggest solves for back of house product execution to ensure successful new product tests and launches
• Troubleshooting for potential shortfalls in new raw materials and ingredients

Judgement And Decision Making

• Be an independent thinker, able to rationalize the facts surrounding the limitations of a project and propose solutions.
• Ability to adapt and offer solutions to any challenges in the product development process

Innovation

• Product development across categories
• Contingency and raw material replacements
• Developing back of house processes to enable team members in store to prepare product
• Makes minor changes to existing processes by identifying process improvements and modifications.

Qualifications

• 8 - 10 years of experience within the Food sector/Industry (preferably FMCG/Retail or QSR)
• A minimum a Food technology Diploma or a Food Science qualification (Preferred)
• Must have worked in cross functional teams or had prior experience in leading product development or related projects.
• Works well under pressure and meeting deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Mature with a ‘can do’ attitude
• Understanding of food science principles, production, processing of food and food safety
• Hands on - building of food products etc.