Responsibilities

• The Brand Innovation Manager defines and executes Panda’s menu strategy to deliver a distinctive, guest-focused experience aligned with our brand vision and business goals.
• This position leads the creation of bold, trend-driven concepts informed by culinary insights, consumer research, and operational realities.
• The Brand Innovation Manager drives cross-functional collaboration across Culinary, Insights, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and successful commercialization.
• Responsibilities include tracking emerging food and beverage trends, identifying whitespace opportunities, and activating change strategies for seamless adoption.
• This position also evaluates strategic partnerships and leverages data-driven insights to optimize menu performance and innovation.
• Responsible for clearly articulating Panda brand vision and strategy inclusive of our guest target, brand personality and positioning and business objectives for menu design.
• Responsible for generating and testing bold menu concepts rooted in our brand vision and strategy, culinary trends, guest insights; Translates findings into clear product briefs, menu recommendations and launch proposals.
• Tracks, decodes and activates emerging food and beverage trends, evolving guest behaviors and category shifts to define forward-facing points of view and whitespace opportunities to inform brand and innovation strategies.
• Partners with and/or leads cross-functional innovation teams across Culinary, Insights, Marketing Communications, Operations, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Leadership. Drives alignment, advocacy and excitement for initiatives, guest and operations partners throughout.
• Defines and activates thoughtful, people-centered change strategies that brings innovations to life across the organization; Partners with Operations, Learning & Development and Marketing teams to craft storytelling that ensures smooth adoption and organizational readiness.
• Identifies and evaluate brand, supplier, chef and culinary influencer partnerships that elevate our menu and strengthen our cultural footprint.
• Conducts consumer research and business analytics to validate, inform and optimize menu strategy; Captures and activates past product learnings and operational understanding; Delivers insights and data to Marketing Communications and Commercialization teams for successful commercialization and launch.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field required; MBA preferred
• 5+ years of directly applicable marketing experience, preferably in a nationally branded retail/hospitality environment with increasing managerial experience
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Preferred

• MBA preferred

Benefits

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On-site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*
• Benefits available for eligible permanent full time associates