Bilingual Food Product Development Manager- La&c

**Company Description**
Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Product Development Manager supporting our Latin America & Carribean region. This individual contributor role manages the new product development process and ingredient approval processes and assists FSQR (Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory) with vendor approvals. Ensures new products and product revisions meet Dairy Queen’s high-quality standards.

The product development manager must have excellent project management, time management, reporting, analytical and problem-solving skills. Using these skills, this position works as a versatile and efficient team player in a fast-paced and collaborative franchisee environment. In addition, this role will work closely with the LA&C General Manager, Director - Marketing and Director - Supply Chain to deliver sales growth opportunities within the region.

Key Accountabilities Include:

- Product Development
- Supports category growth and marketing calendar execution within the LA&C Region. Collaborates with a cross functional DQ and Franchisee teams, manages components of the new product development process that aligns with our Menu Vision and country marketing calendar as defined by the LA&C team. Embraces the implementation, utilization and reporting of the DEDVIM (Define, Explore, Develop, Validate, Implement, Measure) Innovation Process through the various project and timeline management stages to facilitate product development.
- Manages the development of new Core and LTO Menu items and approvals for new and approved vendors, ingredients and for menu item approvals as assigned. Manages approvals of ingredients and preps for franchisee-developed new products based on their calendar launch periods. Performs bench top, in-restaurant, and desk-based roles related to the new product process.
- Creates and approves meaningful ingredient specifications, final product specifications and product preparation documents. Uses food safety knowledge to- Partner with FSQR teammates to ensure products are safe for consumers. Support on-going quality testing for existing local products. Act as a liaison between FSQR and local vendors on quality concerns when necessary.
- Within a collaborative framework with the Director - Marketing and International Consumer Insights Manager, analyzes consumer and operator feedback and market research information to recommend new products and improvements to products or processes. Facilitates internal/external ideation and product exploration sessions with DQ Marketing and Franchisee Teams for the treat and food product categories. Presents product ideas to the brand marketing team on an as needed basis in accordance with project timelines.
- Coordinates and conducts local sensory evaluations and location tests to gather real time feedback for product optimization before launch.
- Proactively troubleshoots manufacturing plant procedures, for existing and new products. Actively engages with local suppliers and industry professionals to strengthen partnerships, diversify supplier options, and stay abreast of market trends.
- Helps drive proactive development and experimentation of LTO products, ensuring alignment with local market trends and consumer preferences, leveraging a deep understanding of local consumer behavior and cultural nuances within the LA&C region.
- Project Management
- Proactively contributes in updating and tracking of on-going projects with peers on the LA&C team and Franchisees using RACI and other Project Trackers. Takes active ownership in regional product development initiatives, ensuring alignment with regional business objectives and efficient cross-functional collaboration to ensure meeting and managing deadlines for deliverables.
- Effectively communicates thoughts and ideas, both written and oral, in a diverse multi-level environment (low, mid, top-level management within IDQ; Franchisees and Vendors). Makes recommendations to key stakeholders, including executives and franchisees.
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