Food Commercialization Coordinator

Yum! Brands; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience in franchise strategy and financial management

Opportunities for growth in dynamic roles

Job summary

Yum! Brands is seeking a Product Developer to support the commercialization of products for KFC. In this role, you will collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to develop cooking procedures and coordinate product testing. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Food Science and at least 5 years of product development experience, preferably in the food industry.

This position offers opportunities for growth in finance, franchise development, and strategic operations while contributing to a global brand.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of product development experience in the food or quick-service industry.
• Strong interest in global iconic brands and experience working with franchisees preferred.
• Excellent skills in communication, collaboration, and analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Support commercialization of products and processes within the KFC system.
• Develop KFC cooking procedures and collaborate with internal teams.
• Coordinate product testing with restaurant operations and support training.

Skills

Product development experience

Analytical and critical thinking

Creativity for innovation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Technical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Job description

What You’ll Be Serving Up

This role will support and assist commercialization of products, process and practices internally and externally in the KFC system to drive cross‑functional collaboration.

Here’s How You’ll Spice Things Up

• Development of KFC cooking procedures, equipment functionality, and product specifications in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.
• Support in the creation and testing of new products, including sensory evaluations, lab prep, market research, and initial production runs.
• Coordinate product and equipment testing with restaurant operations, and support training and documentation for new products for market test and National launches.
• Produce, gather, analyze, and communicate experimental data to inform product decisions and recommend next steps.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally and with external partners to ensure food safety, quality, and operational feasibility across product development initiatives.
• Participate in off‑site activities such as commercial shoots and plant trials, ensuring accurate product representation and execution.

Education/Certifications

What You Bring to the Table:

• College degree; bachelor's degree preferred in Food Science.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of product development experience.
• Experience in the food industry or quick‑service industry, or a strong interest in being part of a global iconic brand QSR company; experience working with franchisees is also highly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in process nurturing ideas from infancy to launch while delivering on time and profitability results.
• Confidence, presence, and personal drive balanced with humility and ability to excel in a team‑based approach to innovation while still maintaining a point of view and building followership.
• Ability to think creatively to achieve breakthrough results.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking ability.
• A strong moral compass and commitment to doing what is right.
• A sense of urgency and passion for turning knowledge and innovation into action.
• Strong technical skills with the ability to filter through consumer and business needs.
• Ability to work productively and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization including many diverse working styles and backgrounds and to maintain a team built on collaboration, integration, integrity, and ingenuity.
• Ability to act as an effective change agent while focusing on actions that are most critical for achieving step‑change results.
• A positive attitude and high energy level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to deal with ambiguity, welcoming and embracing change while respecting the value of tradition.

What’s In It For You

• Gain hands‑on experience in franchise strategy and financial management by working directly on business growth, ownership transitions, and profitability initiatives.
• Develop expertise in portfolio management and operational efficiency through collaboration with franchisees, brokers, and financial institutions.
• Enhance leadership visibility and strategic decision‑making skills by providing key reporting and insights to KFC US leadership.
• Build a career in a dynamic, high‑impact role with opportunities for growth in finance, franchise development, and strategic operations.