Sr. Analyst, Marketing Innovation, Popeyes, LAC

Job description

Ready to make your next big professional move? Join us on our journey to achieve our big dream of building the most loved restaurant brands in the world. Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $45 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 32,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities. RBI is committed to growing the TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES® and FIREHOUSE SUBS® brands by leveraging their respective core values, employee and franchisee relationships, and long track records of community support. Each brand benefits from the global scale and shared best practices that come from ownership by Restaurant Brands International Inc. Popeyes LAC is seeking an experienced Innovation Sr. Analyst to support the development and execution of new menu products, ingredients, and packaging for Mexico and Latin America region. This role combines food science, product innovation, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to bring innovative concepts from idea through successful market launch. The position partners closely with Marketing, Culinary, Operations, Procurement, Quality Assurance, suppliers, and franchisees to identify innovation opportunities, develop products that meet brand standards, and ensure successful execution across diverse Latin American markets. RBI follows a 5 day, in-office work schedule to support collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable working onsite 5 days per week Responsibilities : Identify ingredients and products that are commercially sound Lead commercialization of new and existing food ingredients from concept through regional rollout. Facilitate product cuttings with QA and innovation team to ensure products meet expectations based on marketing briefs, consumer perception and exportation requirements. Partner with suppliers on R&D, formulation, process validation, and scale-up, holding them accountable to technical, quality, and cost targets. Collaborate with Quality Assurance to author, review, and improve ingredient specifications. Routinely meet with key suppliers to identify opportunities for formulation or process changes to improve quality, cost, or operational performance. Support in the development and execution of Market research studies (concept tests, local taste panel tests) Translate marketing briefs into executable food and packaging solutions. Ensure product and packaging meet brand standards while remaining operationally viable. Serve as a technical advisor to Marketing during concept development and execution planning. Assist in onboarding new suppliers and ensure compliance with brand policies/regulations. Lead innovation process: gate leader, stakeholders management, gate project management, tracking, and provide weekly updates. Conduct weekly project status meetings with key regional and global stakeholders. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including quality assurance, procurement, operations, marketing leads/area franchisee leads, suppliers, and franchisee to troubleshoot and resolve project challenges. Lead commercialization of packaging standards for LTO regional programs throughout the calendar year. Partner with QA and Procurement teams to ensure packaging compliance with food safety, sustainability, and operational requirements. Assess feasibility, supplier capability, cost, and regulatory impact for regional adoption. Regionally own and maintain core, always-on packaging used across to ensure more consistency across markets Assist operations team in the execution of menu items including determining proper equipment settings, holding and handling to ensure quality of the product. Work hand in hand with operations to ensure there is operational feasibility with any new launch and ensure the procedures created are aligned with the menu development and marketing plan. Support procurement team in identifying limitations within product specifications that may lead to importation issues. Work alongside distribution center to ensure products are properly set up and logistically sound. Work with the field team and franchisees to manage supplier lead times, production and rollout of products. Project manage product transition with franchisees and review/approve local product alternatives in case of stockout and/or other market issues. Qualifications & Skills: Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, Culinary or related technical field 2-3+ years of experience in innovation, food R&D, or commercialization Understanding food and packaging manufacturing for multiple product categories. Experience in food manufacturing facilities is a plus. Experience cross-team collaborations particularly for quality assurance, procurement / supply chain teams. Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in Excel. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple products. Demonstrated excellence strategic planning, problem solving, and project execution spanning multiple disciplines and teams. Knowledge of applicable procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to product commercialization. Understanding of Latin America food regulations and policies is a plus. Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in business English and Spanish, both orally and in writing. Ability to travel within Mexico & LATAM #Popeyes Benefits at all of our global offices are focused on physical, mental and financial wellness. We offer unique and progressive benefits, including a comprehensive global paid parental leave program that supports employees as they expand their families, free telemedicine and mental wellness support. Restaurant Brands International and all of its affiliated companies (collectively, RBI) are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. RBI's policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.