Program Manager

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Vacation

Retirement plan

Floating Holidays

Free Lunch on Wednesdays

Job summary

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a Yum! Brands Co-op, is seeking a Program Manager to join their Habit Operations team in Irvine, California. This hybrid role involves managing supply chain initiatives for The Habit Burger Grill, ensuring optimal operations and cost savings. Candidates should have 3-5 years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree in supply chain or business. The position offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement options.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of business experience in Demand Planning, Project Management, Supply Chain, or related areas.
• Experience with food/packaging supply chain planning is preferred.
• Certifications such as APICS CPIM or Six Sigma Green Belt are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute supply chain initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with suppliers and distributors to develop supply strategies.
• Execute cost-saving strategies to improve restaurant margins.

Skills

Project Management

Collaboration skills

Data analysis

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving capability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field

MBA or master’s in supply chain management (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a Yum! Brands Co-op is currently seeking a Program Manager to join the Habit Operations Team in Irvine, California.

Position Overview

This role supports flawless execution of supply chain initiatives for The Habit Burger Grill, serving 390+ restaurants nationwide. The Program Manager collaborates with RSCS, suppliers, distributors, and brand partners to manage projects that enable uninterrupted supply, cost optimization, and operational excellence.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Testing new products and core menu upgrades
• Driving Restaurant Margin Improvement (RMI) initiatives
• Specification optimization testing and implementation
• Supporting restaurant development, equipment assets, and smallwares

This is a hybrid role: on site 2-3 days/week at the Taco Bell Headquarters in Irvine, CA.

We offer excellent benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, Retirement, Holidays, Floating Holidays, Free Lunch on Wednesday and much more.

Position Responsibilities

Project Management

• Manage and execute supply chain initiatives from test kitchen concept through commercialization for national launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners, suppliers, and distributors to develop supply strategies that minimize risk and maximize flexibility.
• Identify and document supply chain requirements for all initiatives, including planning contingencies, capacity assurance, and ingredient procurement timelines.
• Capture and apply key learnings to drive continuous improvement and future planning.
• Manage program documentation including inventory authorizations and notifications.

Cost Savings (Restaurant Margin Improvement (RMI))

• Execute cost-saving strategies that deliver margin improvement while maintaining quality, food safety, and customer experience.
• Support development of a multi-year roadmap for margin improvement initiatives in alignment with leadership.
• Facilitate monthly alignment between RSCS and brand for financial reporting and analysis.
• Provide timely updates and insights to RSCS, brand partners, and leadership.

Development, Equipment, and Assets

• Partner with Habit brand asset and operations teams to align on new designs, specifications, processes, and strategies.
• Manage development pipeline and equipment base business needs to ensure supply continuity.
• Drive actions to reduce costs and lead times in support of RMI opportunities.
• Serve as a single point of contact for internal and external partners to ensure alignment and connectivity.

Additional Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain key relationships with internal and external partners including brand, suppliers, and distributors.
• Drive a culture of collaboration in a matrixed organization.
• Lead special projects and other duties as assigned by management.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

• Required: 3–5 years of business experience in one or more of the following areas: Demand Planning, Project Management, Program Management, Supply Chain, Operations, and/or Procurement.
• Preferred: Experience with food/packaging supply chain planning or project management in the restaurant/foodservice, distribution, and/or manufacturing environment.
• Required: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field.
• Preferred: MBA or master’s in supply chain management.
• Certifications preferred: APICS CPIM, Six Sigma Green Belt, ISM CPSM.
• Role model RSCS’s World Class with Class (WC2) Cultural Values
• Strong project management and collaboration skills
• Ability to influence decisions and outcomes.
• Process orientation and problem‑solving capability.
• Data analysis and insight development
• Negotiation skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Presentation skills geared toward Director/VP levels.