Job DescriptionAbout the Job:The
Head of Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership for Taco Bell's Engineering, Architecture, and Quality Engineering organizations, delivering the technology platforms that power restaurant operations, digital commerce, and customer experiences at scale.
Reporting to the
VP, Engineering, Taco Bell, this senior engineering leader operates in a highly matrixed environment, shaping engineering strategy, driving enterprise technology investments, and leading execution through shared engineering organizations across Yum. This role is accountable for translating business strategy into technology outcomes while ensuring engineering excellence, platform reliability, and organizational effectiveness.
As part of the D&T leadership team, this leader drives engineering strategy-raising the bar on
engineering excellence, organizational performance, technology modernization, speed, and reliability to fuel growth, innovation, and world-class customer and team member experiences.
Team Size: 86 FTE, 5 Direct ReportsResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership (30%)- Partner with the VP, Engineering, Taco Bell and Architecture leadership to define engineering strategy, technology investment priorities, and multi-year platform roadmaps aligned to business objectives
- Influence engineering standards, platform modernization, and technical direction across Taco Bell while partnering with shared Yum engineering organizations to deliver enterprise capabilities.
- Translate enterprise technology strategy into organizational execution, ensuring delivery of strategic business outcomes while balancing innovation, operational excellence, and long-term platform sustainability.
Engineering Delivery & Operational Excellence:- Lead & own end-to-end engineering delivery across Taco Bell platforms (in house Taco Bell, In house Yum or 3rd party platforms) built on a multi-year roadmap
- Manage complex technology programs and projects, including software releases, platform upgrades, and new product launches.
- Champion modern engineering practices including cloud-native architecture, platform engineering, DevOps, AI-enabled software development, automation, and continuous improvement.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across restaurant and in-store technologies, ensuring seamless integration across POS, kiosks, payments, kitchen systems, labor, inventory, drive-thru, reporting, and emerging AI-enabled capabilities.
People Leadership:- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and growth, developing future leaders and supporting a diverse, high-performing team. Team leadership and mentoring for 80+ person organization.
- Lead a team that serves as a strategic technology partner to Marketing, Operations, Finance, Franchisees, and external vendors--- aligning innovative solutions with business objectives and delivering seamless experience for all stakeholders.
- Develop organizational strategy, workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership capability to ensure long-term organizational health and scalability.
- Coach and develop Engineering Directors, Managers, and technical leaders while strengthening leadership capability across the organization.
Business Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement:- Serve as the senior engineering partner to Product, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Franchisees, Architecture, Data & AI, Security, and Yum Technology leadership, aligning engineering priorities with strategic business objectives.
- Influence business strategy by identifying technology opportunities that improve operational efficiency, customer experience, and restaurant performance.
- Champion data-driven decision making through engineering metrics, operational analytics, and measurable business outcomes.
- Represent Engineering as a member of the Taco Bell Extended Digital & Technology Leadership Team, ensuring alignment across Taco Bell and Yum technology organizations.
- Ensure robust vendor management, contract negotiation, and strategic partnerships to support technology innovation and operational excellence.
- Integrate and collaborate with Yum! Byte or third-party vendors to implement secure, scalable digital solutions that support growth.
QualificationsIs this you?- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Technology, Business Management, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive IT/technology leadership, with 6+ years leading large, complex programs and teams across multiple business or functional areas.
- Proven track record in Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), retail, or multi-unit chain/franchise environments preferred.
- Deep understanding of restaurant technologies (POS, eCommerce, middleware, product master, menu platforms, data/reporting systems) preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in digital product management, software development lifecycle, and agile methodologies, with strong capability in technology architecture design and solutioning across diverse technology stacks.
- Experience with omni-channel customer experience strategies and integrating online/offline technologies (POS, kiosks, mobile, CRM, digital menu boards) preferred.
- Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Suite, Copilot, JIRA, Confluence, and other collaboration/analytics platforms.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed, and dynamic environment.
- Strong analytical, financial, and strategic planning skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, manage vendors, and drive cross-functional alignment.
- Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture. Passion for developing engineering leaders, building high-performing organizations, and fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and engineering excellence.
Work-Hard, Play-Hard:- Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
- Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
- Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
- Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash,
- Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
- Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
- Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
- 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
- Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
- Discounts, free food, swag and... honestly, too many good benefits to name
Salary Range: $240,000 - $300,300 annually + bonus eligibility and stock-based compensation.
This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors. 
