Director, Menu Strategy & Innovation (Hybrid)

Pulsejobs; Town of Prairie du Sac (WI); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Performance bonus

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Pulsejobs is seeking an experienced Director of Menu Development to lead long-term menu strategy, innovation, and culinary team development. By connecting guest insights, brand priorities, operational realities, and market trends, this role will shape our menu to strengthen brand relevance and drive sustainable growth.

You will lead cross-functional collaboration, set guardrails and flavor principles, and oversee from concept to testing and implementation while guiding the menu portfolio to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in culinary arts or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in menu strategy, culinary innovation, product development, or related disciplines.
• 3-5 years of people management experience.
• Strong leadership capabilities in creating long-term vision and roadmap for menu development.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing enterprise-level decisions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging with executive teams and diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Shape a multi-year menu strategy and roadmap aligned with growth objectives.
• Define priorities and decision making across menu categories to balance innovation and renovation.
• Identify trends and translate them into strategic, brand-relevant menu recommendations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to reflect guest needs, restaurant realities and business priorities.
• Establish goals and metrics for the menu portfolio and evaluate performance.
• Serve as steward of identity; ensure menu offerings meet brand standards and guest expectations.
• Establish guardrails, quality standards and flavor principles for menu development.
• Lead the menu development process from opportunity to testing and implementation.
• Prioritize portfolio and allocate resources based on impact and priorities.
• Lead the Menu Strategy Committee for alignment on active and future priorities.
• Collaborate with franchisees, suppliers, and senior leadership; build industry relationships.
• Continuously evaluate processes, capabilities and structure to support growth.

Skills

Leadership

Menu strategy

Cross-functional work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

Job description

Pulsejobs is seeking an experienced Director of Menu Development to lead long-term menu strategy, innovation, and culinary team development. By connecting guest insights, brand priorities, operational realities, and market trends, this role will shape our menu to strengthen brand relevance and drive sustainable growth.

You will lead cross-functional collaboration, set guardrails and flavor principles, and oversee from concept to testing and implementation while guiding the menu portfolio to