Food Technologist

Support and assist commercialization of products, process and practices internally, cross functionally and externally in the KFC system.   

• Yield studies for new and existing food products.
• Development KFC cooking procedures, equipment functionality, and product specifications in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.
• Support in the creation and testing of new products, including sensory evaluations, lab prep, market research, and initial production runs.
• Coordinate product and equipment testing with restaurant operations, and support training and documentation for new products for market test and National launches. 
• Produce, gather, analyze, and communicate experimental data to inform product decisions and recommend next steps.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and with external partners to ensure food safety, quality, and operational feasibility across product development initiatives.
• Travel expected up to 15%

Education/Certifications – College Degree, bachelor’s degree preferred in food science, animal science, engineering, science or related.

Experience           

• Years of Experience – Minimum of 3 years of product development experience, quality assurance, commercialization, or food manufacturing
• Experience in the food industry or quick service industry, or a strong interest in being a part of a global iconic brand QSR company; experience working with franchisees is also highly preferred.
• Experience with poultry a plus. Eagerness to learn a must.
• Demonstrated expertise in process nurturing ideas from infancy to launch while delivering on time and profitability results.
• Confidence, presence and personal drive balanced with humility and ability to excel in a team-based approach to innovation while still maintaining a point of view and building relationships.
• Ability to think creatively to achieve break through results.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking ability
• A strong moral compass and commitment to doing what is right.
• A sense of urgency and passion for turning knowledge and innovation into action.
• Strong technical skills with the ability to filter through consumer and business needs.
• Ability to work productively and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization including many diverse working styles and backgrounds and to maintain a team built on collaboration, integration, integrity, and ingenuity.
• Ability to act as an effective change agent while focusing on actions that are most critical for achieving step-change results.
• A positive attitude and high energy level
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to deal with ambiguity, welcoming and embracing change while respecting the value of tradition

 

Salary Range: $72,200 to $80,750 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.