Innovation Marketing, Specialist

KFC Canada (Yum! Brands Subsidiary); Vaughan; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

KFC Canada seeks an Innovation Marketing Specialist to drive the end-to-end development of new menu items. You will work with cross-functional teams to translate consumer insights into innovative product launches that enhance guest satisfaction and brand relevance in the competitive QSR landscape.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in CPG, QSR, or Retail Marketing.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and initiative.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support development and execution of innovation pipeline and strategy.
• Coordinate commercial stage gate process for innovation projects.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across multiple functions.

Skills

Project Management

Collaboration

Creative Thinking

Solutions-oriented Mindset

Education

Undergraduate degree in Marketing/Advertising/Commerce

Job description

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s most iconic brands, in a market where we are redefining the rules of innovation. At KFC Canada, innovation is our fuel for disruption and our edge amongst competition and in culture.

As the Innovation Marketing Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the Retail Marketing Calendar to ensure the end-to-end development of new menu items from ideation to go-to-market execution. Working closely with cross-functional teams, this position will help turn consumer insights into tangible innovation that drives growth, relevance, and guest satisfaction for the brand. As a part of a team that’s redefining what’s next for Canadian QSR, you will have the opportunity to contribute to bold ideas that push boundaries and bring craveable

food to millions.

Responsibilities: (includes but not limited to)

• Support development and execution of long-term innovation pipeline and strategy by assessing,

developing, and scaling up new product launches across a 12–24-month retail calendar

• Coordinate commercial stage gate process for innovation and renovation projects, including key

deliverables, timelines and approvals to effectively deliver on go-to-market excellence & business goals

• Partner with the Food & Innovation team to translate consumer insights into strategic actions by

supporting the development and execution of product launches that align with KFC’s menu strategy

• Contribute to coordination and execution of consumer research initiatives, including taste panels and concept testing, to guide product development and refinement

• Collaborate with key stakeholders across multiple functions, including Brand, Performance Marketing, Operations, and Procurement & Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of innovation initiatives

• Rapidly respond to performance and feedback from retail stores on innovation launches to solve problems and unlock opportunities to deliver excellence

Key Qualifications:

• Education/Certifications: Undergraduate degree with preference in Marketing /Advertising/Commerce

• 2-3 years of experience, preferably in CPG, QSR or Retail Marketing

• Champions an entrepreneurial spirit by acting as an owner to take initiative and drive ideas forward in a dynamic competitive environment

• Solutions-oriented mindset with a natural drive to overcome roadblocks and work through ambiguity to get the job done

• Strong project management skills with the ability to be organized, attentive to detail, and manage multiple workstreams and timelines simultaneously

• Strong collaborator with the ability to work effectively across functions in a fast-paced hybrid environment

• Fosters a culture of innovation by leading with creative thinking and challenging the status quo