Product Development Manager

Whataburger Menu Development Manager

This position oversees the development of the Whataburger menu from innovation to execution. Collaborates closely with suppliers in effort to develop products that adhere to the Whataburger standards. Oversees the recipe master, ideal food cost recipe master, cooking procedures and nutritionals. This position also manages internal and external product ideations and facilitates a number of product approval meetings with senior leadership and ensures successful execution.

Total Rewards:

• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Bonus Program with 250% Upside Potential
• Performance for Pay Program Eligibility to Receive a Pay Increase Once a Year, Based on Performance
• Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
• Healthcare and Life Insurance Benefits
• Paid Time Off - 5 Weeks on Day 1
• Flex Weeks - Remote Work Arrangement
• Paid Corporate Holidays
• 401(k) Savings Plan with a Competitive Company Match
• Paid Parental Leave Subject to Eligibility Requirements
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Scholarship Program - You and Your Dependents are Eligible!
• Whataburger Family Foundation (Hardship Grant Assistance)
• Discounted Meals For You and a Guest
• Wireless Service Discounts
• Computer & Software Discounts
• Fitness / Gym Discounts
• Awards and Recognition For All You Do
• Retirement Celebration Program

Responsibilities:

Manages the product development process including:

• Develops new products and new Limited Time Offers (LTOs)
• Directs supplier partners on product development needs of Whataburger
• Evaluates new samples from suppliers for potential product presentations
• Provides feedback to supplier partners on samples submitted
• Oversees the development of presentations and agendas for internal tastings
• Conducts internal taste panels as first check for product acceptance
• Trains Ops and Training Department on new product launches and LTOs
• Commercialization of new products

Manages product development projects and ensures adherence to the deliverables and timelines.

Manages the development of Limited Time Offers (LTO's). Presents recommendations and ideas to Senior Leadership Team

Oversees internal product presentations for various committees and meetings (Pre-SAS and SAS) including the coordination of kitchen operations for FBM meetings and Product Approval Process.

Manages the nutritionals for all restaurant and retail products including artwork, labeling, website, mobile application, and calorie postings.

Manages supplier ideation sessions including:

• Selection of supplier partners to invite
• Evaluation and management of white paper ideation submissions
• Scheduling and organizing ideation presentation
• Provides feedback to supplier partner on results

Updates and maintains recipe master for Ideal Food Cost.

Consults with Brand Marketing and agencies on television commercial shoots and POP still photos.

Prepares various monthly, quarterly and annual reports for Whataburger leadership.

Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Culinary degree preferred

Experience:

• 5+ years' experience preferably in QA or R&D in food manufacturing and or/restaurant industry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Visio (as applicable)
• Proficiency in Workday (as applicable)
• Ability to communicate, influence and negotiate decisions while motivating assigned staff
• Ability to work in a team environment

Professional Certification:

• Safe serve or equivalent food safety certification
• Culinary training and certifications preferred

Working Conditions/Travel Requirements:

• Expected to work the necessary time to satisfactorily fulfill job responsibilities
• Must be able to report to work timely and as required by operational/business needs
• Must be able to work a full-time schedule and work outside of normal business hours when necessary
• Must be able to travel both locally and long distances (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations
• Must possess a valid driver's license, submit to releasing a Motor Vehicle Record that adheres to the Whataburger standards and maintain current automobile liability at minimum levels in their state of residence