Food Innovation Manager

Shape the next generation of menu innovation loved by millions of Kiwis.

At Restaurant Brands, we're passionate about creating memorable food experiences for our customers across some of New Zealand's most recognised quick service restaurant brands. Innovation sits at the heart of what we do, and we're looking for an experienced, commercially minded food professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys turning ideas into reality to join us in the capacity of Food Innovation Manager, to help bring exciting new products from concept to customer.

This is an opportunity to combine your expertise, commercial mindset, and passion for innovation in a role where your ideas can influence our restaurant locations nationwide.

About the Role

As our Food Innovation Manager, you'll lead the development of new menu items and product innovations that align with our brand strategies and customer trends. Working closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Operations, franchise partners, and suppliers, you'll take ownership of the product development journey, from identifying opportunities and testing concepts through to successful market launch. If you love uncovering food trends, experimenting with new ingredients, collaborating with suppliers, and turning great ideas into products customers can't wait to try, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a permanent full-time role with the expectation that the successful candidate is able to work 40 hours per week.

What You'll Be Doing

Drive Menu Innovation

• Research emerging food, flavour, and packaging trends
• Identify opportunities for new products and menu enhancements
• Lead innovation workshops with suppliers and key stakeholders
• Develop and refine recipes, ingredients, and product concepts
• Present innovative food solutions and recommendations to marketing teams

Bring Concepts to Life

• Source and evaluate ingredients for new menu developments
• Conduct product and sensory testing to assess flavour, texture, and quality
• Validate cooking procedures and ensure food safety compliance
• Partner with suppliers to optimise product performance and innovation outcomes
• Explore and develop sustainable and practical packaging solutions

Lead Cross-Functional Projects

• Manage product development timelines across multiple brands
• Coordinate stakeholders throughout the development process
• Facilitate product development meetings and track project progress
• Ensure successful execution from concept through to launch

Build Strong Partnerships

• Develop collaborative relationships with suppliers and their R&D teams
• Leverage supplier capabilities, technologies, and innovation expertise

You'll Have

• A tertiary qualification in Food Technology/Food Science or equivalent experience.
• A minimum 5 years in food industry experience with knowledge of product development, food processing and quality systems.
• Experience working within food service, QSR, hospitality, or multi-site operations
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results to tight timelines

You'll Also Be

• Naturally curious and passionate about food trends
• Creative, while remaining commercially practical
• A proactive problem solver who takes initiative
• A strong communicator who can influence and engage stakeholders
• Comfortable collaborating across technical, operational, and marketing teams

What we offer

• The opportunity to work with iconic brands, influence products enjoyed by millions of customers, and play a key role in shaping the future of food innovation.
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience in the range of $100,000-$110,000.
• Active on-site social club.
• Convenient Penrose location close to the train station and free on-site parking for those days you aren't in store.
• Working from home flexibility one day a week.

Ready to create the next customer favourite?

Apply now and help shape the future of menu innovation at Restaurant Brands.

Please note that applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.