Senior Culinary Innovation Manager

Role Overview

• Support regionalized innovation and global menu initiatives for the Dunkin’ brand, partnering closely with franchisees to develop and execute marketing tentpoles while identifying opportunities to extend and evolve core innovation platforms.
• Lead and execute in-country consumer testing.
• Localize products and collaborate with cross functional team to assist with menu strategy, commercialization and procurement.
• Lead the creation and commercialization of strategic, regionally relevant flavor innovations featured on the annual International Marketing Roadmap, integrating consumer insights and addressing key business need states.
• Partner cross ‑ regionally with culinary leads to support development while building strong, collaborative relationships with JV partners to drive Baskin business growth.
• Support emerging brands through menu strategy, innovation development, and implementation.
• Collaborate with franchisees and the Global Culinary Team to deliver fresh, relevant, and operationally executable menus across brands including Jimmy John’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, and Arby’s.
• Work with commercialization, supply chain and regional business teams for core menu item development, localization and optimization requirements.
• Both internal and external relationships in order to facilitate alignment and keep engagement high.
• Assist with ad hoc projects, presentations, and reports to support the Director, International Brand Experience and Vice President, International Marketing.
• Cross brand retail CPG products as needed; product improvements and new development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary or related degree
• Minimum 5 years Culinary and Commercialization experience required
• Restaurant industry relevant experience preferred
• International experience preferred
• Global mindset with ability to eat to diverse cuisines and ingredients, including seafood, proteins, dairy, fruits, nuts, and vegetables
• Ability to objectively taste, evaluate, and provide constructive feedback on food products
• Experience in recipe development with a working knowledge of food safety, supply chain, and operational requirements
• Collaborative team player with the ability to support cross‐functional teams toward shared goals
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to adapt communication style for senior leadership and cross‐cultural audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, with experience creating materials for senior leadership
• Ability to set goals, prioritize work, manage time effectively, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision
• Sound judgment with the ability to make timely recommendations and decisions
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast‐paced, evolving environment
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Creative, flexible, and open to new ideas and change
• Demonstrated project management skills.

Benefits

• N/A