Product Innovation Associate Manager

Panda Restaurant Group Inc; Rosemead (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 126,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401K with company match

Full medical, dental, and vision insurance

Discounts at Panda restaurants and theme parks

Paid time off starting at 15 days

Job summary

Panda Restaurant Group Inc in Rosemead, California, is looking for a Product Innovation Associate Manager to lead the development, testing, and implementation of new products. The role involves managing suppliers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring successful product roll-out.

Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years in product development within the food industry. Benefits include a hybrid work schedule and comprehensive health insurance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product development within the food industry.
• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.
• Valid Food Handler’s Card within 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex projects through the product acceptance process.
• Identify new ingredient/product opportunities and develop them.
• Implement tests at the store level and monitor testing objectives.

Skills

Product development

Project management

Supplier collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field

Job description

Summary of Job Description:

The Product Innovation Associate Manager is responsible for the development, testing, and implementation of new products. This position manages suppliers to develop, manufacture new ingredients and test through system rollout. The Product Innovation Associate Manager aligns the efforts of Product Innovation, Restaurant Operations, and internal cross‑functional team members to approve the new ingredients and menu items.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manages highly complex and high profile projects through the product acceptance process, working with cross‑functional teams. Gains approval for testing of new ingredients/products, develops and communicates project timelines, and manages projects to meet deadlines. Tracks the process of designing, developing, manufacturing, modifying, and evaluating new ingredients/products.


• Helps identify potential new ingredient/product opportunities and creates ingredients/products that meet specific Product Development goals. Works with suppliers to develop and manufacture the actual ingredient/product.


• Implements tests at the store level, working with Operations leaders to meet test objectives and gain approval to move forward into mass production of the new ingredient/product.


• Works with suppliers to scale up the ingredient/product for system‑wide promotion and implementation. Monitors production of the ingredients, labels and all matters related to finished product packaging. Drafts and works with suppliers to finalize Finished Product Specifications.


• Develop procedures for recipe and product roll‑out to ensure field readiness, incorporating input from Operations.

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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field required


• 5+ years of experience in product development within food industry—consumer packaged goods, quick service, casual dining, or manufacturing.


• Successful completion of initial and periodically required trainings.


• Obtaining a valid Food Handler’s Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this position.

Pay Range: P3: $90,000 - $126,500 / Annual

Within the range, individual pay is determined using various factors, including work location and experience.

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Panda Strong since 1983:

Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family‑owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it’s impacting our team or the communities we work in, we’re proud to be an organization that embraces family values.

You're wanted here:

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, for example, sign language interpreters. 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 [e-mail].