Job Overview: The Manager, Culinary Innovation for Canada will own the culinary pipeline with a strong profitability lens, driving product development, cost optimization and commercialization for Burger King Canada. The ideal candidate will be passionate about culinary excellence and innovation, blending creativity with strategic and financial insight to ensure Burger King remains a leader in taste, quality, choice and profitability.
RBI follows a 5 day, in-office work schedule to support collaboration. Successful candidates will be expected to work onsite 5 days per week out of our Toronto, ON office.
Roles and Responsibilities:Profitability & Cost Optimization:- With Operations team support, lead recipe and yield validation for the core menu and new high-priority projects, ensuring claims, cost, quality and operational feasibility are aligned before market commitment.
- Partner with procurement on supplier opportunities, cost-down options and alternate sourcing to unlock savings without compromising guest experience.
- Engineer menu items for savings where needed, including quality and spec optimization, component simplification and menu architecture adjustments.
- Lead ongoing work with RBI/RSI procurement, marketing and operations teams to address Canada's COGs priorities and support continued franchisee profitability.
Culinary Development & Execution:- Lead end-to-end new product development, from concept to rollout, ensuring alignment with brand standards and Canadian market needs.
- Develop and execute Limited Time Offers (LTOs) and core menu items, collaborating with the USA culinary team to ensure product quality and consistency.
- Own packaging development and optimization, an increasingly important area of guest experience and profitability across digital and drive-thru channels.
- Prepare Burger King menu items and new culinary creations for product showings, research sessions, and leadership presentations.
Innovation Strategy & Pipeline Management:- Build and maintain a rolling 3-year culinary pipeline strategy that ties near-term commercialization to longer-term innovation and calendar planning.
- Act as Canada's test market lead for selected USA initiatives, translating learnings into clear, actionable recommendations on scale, rework or stop decisions.
- Develop the roadmap for new categories, managing projects across all phases from consumer insights to execution.
- Lead and manage cross-functional project teams, engaging stakeholders across culinary, marketing, operations, QA, packaging, finance and procurement to keep development, testing and launch readiness synchronized.
- Ensure alignment with sustainability targets by leading projects that advance Burger King's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Consumer Insights & Market Trends:- Translate consumer insights into actionable product innovations and enhancements to strengthen brand equity and guest satisfaction.
- With Marketing support, conduct consumer research, including taste tests and market analysis, to refine product offerings and drive innovation.
- Cultivate relationships with partners, suppliers, and culinary trendsetters to stay informed of emerging trends, technology, and market developments.
Quality Assurance & Process Optimization:- Oversee product testing and quality standards, ensuring consistency and superiority in taste and presentation.
- Attend manufacturing production runs and work with franchisees to ensure that culinary standards are met during commercialization.
Required Skills and Qualifications:Education: - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Marketing, or Business Administration preferred.
Experience:- Approximately 5 years of experience in culinary development, commercialization, R&D, or foodservice product management, ideally within QSR or Full-Service Restaurants.
- Strong understanding of recipe development, food cost, yield, vendor management and test-and-learn processes.
Technical Skills:- Proficient with commercial kitchen equipment and modern culinary techniques.
- Strong project management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams.
- Data-driven mindset, with the ability to analyze consumer insights, food cost and yield data, and translate them into innovative, profitable products.
Location & Travel:- Canada-based role, with travel to the USA to work with the U.S. culinary team for approximately two weeks per quarter.
Other desired skills:- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to influence stakeholders across diverse functions.
- Creative problem-solving abilities, with a passion for culinary excellence and brand-led innovation.
- Practical and analytically minded, able to move quickly from idea to test to recommendation.
- Eager to stay ahead of trends, bringing fresh ideas and a creative approach to culinary and product innovation.
- Performance-focused, proactive, and adaptable, with a strong drive for excellence and a "can-do" attitude.
- Takes ownership of projects, working independently and collaboratively to achieve objectives under tight deadlines.
For Candidates Based in Ontario, the Expected Salary Range is:
Base salary range of $115,000 - $137,500 CAD. Base salary for this position may vary based on relevant factors such as experience, education, location, and skills. This position is eligible to participate in the Company's annual discretionary bonus plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the incentive program, based on individual and company performance metrics. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity grants pursuant to the Company's long-term incentive plan.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Benefits at all of our global offices are focused on physical, mental and financial wellness. We offer unique and progressive benefits, including a comprehensive global paid parental leave program that supports employees as they expand their families, free telemedicine and mental wellness support.
