Food Innovation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Summary of Job Description:

The Brand Innovation Manager (Menu Innovation) defines and executes Panda’s menu strategy to deliver a distinctive, guest-focused experience aligned with our brand vision and business goals. This position leads the creation of bold, trend-driven concepts informed by culinary insights, consumer research, and operational realities. The Brand Innovation Manager drives cross-functional collaboration across Culinary, Insights, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and successful commercialization. Responsibilities include tracking emerging food and beverage trends, identifying whitespace opportunities, and activating change strategies for seamless adoption. This position also evaluates strategic partnerships and leverages data-driven insights to optimize menu performance and innovation.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for clearly articulating Panda brand vision and strategy inclusive of our guest target, brand personality and positioning and business objectives for menu design. 
• Responsible for generating and testing bold menu concepts rooted in our brand vision and strategy, culinary trends, guest insights; Translates findings into clear product briefs, menu recommendations and launch proposals.
• Tracks, decodes and activates 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.
• Partners with and/or leads cross-functional innovation teams across Culinary, Insights, Marketing Communications, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Leadership. Drives alignment, advocacy and excitement for initiatives, guest and operations partners throughout.
• Defines and activates thoughtful, people-centered change strategies that brings innovations to life across the organization; Partners with Operations, Learning & Development and Marketing teams to craft storytelling that ensures smooth adoption and organizational readiness.
• Identifies and evaluate brand, supplier, chef and culinary influencer partnerships that elevate our menu and strengthen our cultural footprint.
• Conducts consumer research and business analytics to validate, inform and optimize menu strategy; Captures and activates past product learnings and operational understanding; Delivers insights and data to Marketing Communications and Commercialization teams for successful commercialization and launch.

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 & experience:

• 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. 

Pay Range: M2: $112,500 - $158,000 / Annual

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

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Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 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:

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 accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.