Product Development Specialist, Retail Merchandise

Popeyes; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global restaurant group in Toronto is seeking a Product Development Specialist to drive new retail initiatives for its renowned brand. This role involves analyzing market trends and competitor activities, managing product design and development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a degree in industrial design and extensive experience in product development, particularly in hard goods. The position offers competitive benefits and is located in a vibrant city.

Benefits

Pension matching

Health benefits (medical, dental)

Short- and long-term disability

Comprehensive global paid parental leave

Telehealth

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted Gym Memberships

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a product development role, especially in drinkware or homewares.
• Strong understanding of market trends and product opportunities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Analyze market trend, competitor activities, and guest feedback to identify new product opportunities.
• Create and direct product designs and manage detailed tech packs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and manage vendor relationships.

Skills

Product development expertise

Strong technical aptitude

Team collaboration

Market research skills

Proficiency in design software

Education

University or college degree in industrial design or related field

Tools

Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

CAD software

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Ready to make your next big professional move? Join us on our journey to achieve our big dream of buildingthe 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 billionin 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.

Our opportunity for you

80% of Canadians visit a Tim Hortons restaurant at least once per month. We’re the #1 mobile app in food and drink category and #2 largest loyalty program in Canada. Tim Hortons also currently supports more than 300,000 children on teams in hockey, soccer, ringette, lacrosse, softball and baseball leagues in Canada and the United States.

We are looking for a Product Development Specialist, Retail Merchandise in our Toronto office, who is excited to build new retail initiatives and innovations for both our restaurants and guests.

Join us and help build the next generation of retail experiences for Canada’s most-loved brand!

What you’ll do

• Analyze market trend, competitor activities, and guest feedback to identify new product opportunities for various product categories including drinkware, seasonal, novelty, emphasis on hard goods categories
• Create and direct product designs including CADs, 3D renders and technical drawings and manage/approve detailed tech packs including material specifications, sketches, and measurements
• Maintain product development calendars to deliver assortment strategies on time
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (category management, marketing, legal, translations, store operations, and quality assurance)
• Manage relationships with vendors to develop, track, review, and approve the projects through the entire product development lifecycle including sample approvals
• Product Expertise & Knowledge Sharing: Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for all hard goods products, track product performance after launch and provide feedback for future improvement
• Develop packaging specifications and ensure brand guidelines are being met from both creative and technical aspects
• Market Research: Conduct thorough market research and competitor analysis to identify customer needs, market trends, and new opportunities. Use these insights to inform product strategy and positioning
• Perform cost analysis and assist in evaluating product profitability
• Oversee sample management duties including tracking, storage, and preparation for presentations.
• Act as an advocate for the customer by placing them at the forefront of all design and decision-making processes
• Identify areas for continuous improvement by diagnosing issues and working to resolve them

What you’ll bring

• University or college degree or commensurate experience, background in industrial design preferred
• Strong technical aptitude and deep product knowledge in hard goods
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a product development role, preferably in drinkware or homewares
• Proficiency in design software (Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator required, 3D rendering software and CAD software as needed)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with a focus on: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills, coupled with demonstrated follow-up capabilities
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient knowledge in technical specifications for product
• Sharp eye for details, design, and style
• Highly detail and process oriented
• Strong analytical abilities combined with creativity in problem-solving
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach with a positive, collaborative attitude
• Strong time management skills
• Strong understanding of market trends and product opportunities

Benefits

• Pension matching
• Health benefits (medical, dental)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Comprehensive global paid parental leave
• Telehealth
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted Gym Memberships

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.

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.