$112,500–$158,000 Per Year
Alliance/Partner Management, Brand Management, Brand Positioning, Brand Strategy, Business Analysis, Cook Dishes, Cross-Functional, Customer/Client Research, Finance, Financial Trend Analysis, Food and Beverage Industry, Leadership, Marketing, Marketing Communications, Medical Conditions, Medical Genetics, Menu Development, Menu Management, Operational Communications, Operations Research, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Research Skills, Storytelling, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Team Lead/Manager, Trend Analysis, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation
Summary of Job Description
The Brand Innovation Manager Menu Innovation defines and executes Pandas 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.
Job Responsibilities
- 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, and 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 evaluates 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.
How We Reward You
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
Your Background & Experience
- Bachelors degree in Marketing or related field required
- MBA preferred
- 5 years of directly applicable marketing experience, preferably in a nationally branded retail or hospitality environment with increasing managerial experience
- Obtaining a valid Food Handlers Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.
- If hired, completion of annual store training
Pay Range
M2: $112,500 - $158,000 per year
Annual within the range individual pay is determined using various factors including work location and experience.
About Us
Panda Restaurant Group Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex, gender, including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related conditions, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status.
Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.
Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations absent undue hardship to effectively participate in the application and hiring process. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com.
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Panda Restaurant Group Inc
At Panda, we all share a common mission: "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." We invest in our people because great people run great operations that will exceed our guests' expectations. Talk to any of our associates and you will experience a culture dedicated to its mission and our five fundamental values- Proactive, Respect/Win-Win, Growth, Great Operations, and Giving.