Senior Director Innovation and Product R&D

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the long-term product innovation roadmap in alignment with enterprise and culinary strategies.
• Translate brand purpose and guest insights into breakthrough product platforms that drive crave, value, and uniqueness.
• Partner cross-functionally to identify category gaps and white space opportunities across dayparts and guest occasions.
• Collaborate closely with Consumer Insights, Marketing, and Strategy to translate emerging trends, behaviors, and needs into scalable product solutions.
• Act as a champion for guest experience, using data and qualitative insights to guide innovation decisions.
• Oversee the culinary development, testing, and operational integration of new menu items.
• Ensure products meet culinary excellence standards, cost goals, and operational feasibility.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the stage-gate process, from concept validation through in-market test and national launch.
• Synthesize strategy, consumer insights, and business targets into actionable product development plans and profitable recommendations.
• Manage implementation of product development plans, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Manage food and product development projects in cooperation with operations, quality assurance, and supply chain.
• Manage relationships with external vendor partners to inform future development possibilities.
• Conduct ongoing product improvement by testing and refining products to elevate taste and guest experience.

Requirements

• MBA or master's degree in a relevant field preferred; Culinary Degree, Food Science or equivalent required.
• 10+ years of Culinary Innovation management experience in a multi-unit restaurant environment.
• Strong culinary skills and experience, with a passion for food innovation.
• Broad knowledge of Quality Assurance practices and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills with the ability to lead a diverse team.
• Collaborative, organized, and able to inspire internal teams and external partners.

Nice to Have

• Experience in developing and creating successful food and menu items for multi-unit restaurant companies.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive annual salary and bonus opportunities.
• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision benefits on Day 1.
• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.
• Paid Vacation and Employee Assistance Program.
• Business Resource Groups, Tuition Reimbursement, and Professional Development.
• 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions at 90 days.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items.