Product Innovation Manager Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

The Culinary Innovation Manager will lead and manage product development of new beverages and the execution of strategic initiatives across all segments and dayparts, from concept approval through product launch. This position will also spearhead the physical development of new products, product builds, and improvement initiatives, bringing concepts to life through consumer and in-store testing. The role requires close partnership with cross‑functional teams to deliver products that meet consumer, operational, and financial success criteria.

• Support the Product Innovation team in delivering against organizational and personal goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Work independently on beverage development projects, with check‑ins and guidance from a supervisor as needed.
• Participate in creating new product development objectives while collaborating with cross‑functional teams, including New Product Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Commercialization, Quality Assurance, Brand Marketing, and others as appropriate.
• Independently work with vendor partners to develop new beverages and frozen products from gold‑standard formulations to initial benchtop samples through commercialization.
• Own the development of products and make recommendations for improvements to current prototypes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop and create product specifications for commercialized products with vendor partners, Commercialization Quality Assurance, and other teams as necessary.
• Lead product taste tests and new product showings.
• Present product improvement or change recommendations based on taste test results and/or feedback to Culinary Innovation leadership.
• Partner with the Procurement Team to develop accurate food and paper formulas and provide raw‑material or formula specifications to the Agile Lead.
• Identify enhancements to new product development and product improvement initiatives in partnership with cross‑functional teams, and recommend the best course of action to leadership.
• Manage the Product Innovation segment of the Product Lifecycle Management system.
• Plan and execute Product Showcase events for senior management, retreat, board of directors, franchise community, marketing leadership, shareholders, and the national convention.
• Provide guidance and support to other product developers and oversee the planning and communication of Culinary Support Team events and activities.
• Perform other duties assigned as needed.

• 2‑year associate’s degree in a culinary or food‑related field.
• 4‑year bachelor’s degree in Culinary, Culinary Science, or Food Science preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in a culinary or product‑development role.
• Experience in QSR culinary development highly preferred.
• True passion for food and beverages.
• Team player; collegial, supportive of teams.
• Adopts a ‘best‑first’ mentality and mindset to accelerate the innovation process.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to set goals, determine priorities, plan, organize, and follow through on assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to make recommendations and decisions in a timely manner.
• Capability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.
• Accuracy and attention to detail as an absolute must.
• Highly creative with flexibility and openness to new ideas.
• Proven ability to multi‑task with little direct supervision.
• Effective time and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and understanding of the importance of embracing and fitting into company culture to achieve success, earning the trust of people devoted to the Sonic way of doing things and empowering intelligent change.
• Excellent communication skills across multiple mediums and audiences, including public speaking, written, and electronic communication.
• Flexibility to work within an open‑concept office environment and established guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other relevant software programs.