Description MUST BE LOCATED IN LONDON Company Introduction Welcome to the flavourful world of Pizza Hut, where our handcrafted pizzas are made with passion But we're not just about pizza; we're here to help you shape your future and reach for the stars. No matter what success means to you, we've got your back every step of the way. Get ready to conquer challenges, seize opportunities, and rise to new heights with us At Pizza Hut, we create an exciting environment that nurtures personal and professional growth. It's a place where we work together, grow as a team, and celebrate each other's achievements. Because when you rise, we all rise So, are you ready to embark on your journey to success? Let's do this Bringing People Together with Pizza Hut's JoyofPizza With over 60 years of history, Pizza Hut has become the world's largest pizza company, with 18,000 stores across 100 countries. We're proud to operate nearly 300 Pizza Hut Delivery outlets in the UK. But wait, there's more to our pizza game We've introduced amazing creations like the legendary Deep Pan, crave-worthy Stuffed Crust, and smile-inducing Cheesy Bites. Our latest mouth-watering innovation? The heart-melting MELTS. And guess what? We're not done yet. Stay tuned for cheesy surprises At Pizza Hut, our North Star is to be the 1 Choice in Pizza, by bringing people together through the joy of pizza. We're like the cheese that binds families, sparks reunions, and turns strangers into pizza pals. Slice by slice, we spread happiness and create lasting memories. Our legacy is cheesy, and we're passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences to our beloved customers, keeping our team members happy, and collaborating with our franchisees. As part of the YUM Brands family, which includes KFC, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill, Pizza Hut proudly stands alongside the largest restaurant group worldwide. Together, we strive for culinary excellence and unmatched dining experiences. So, come on over and let us sprinkle some pizza magic into your life. Pizza dreams do come true at Pizza Hut Why Join Us? Our Recipe for Good At Pizza Hut, we're dedicated to expanding our business and elevating our brand to new heights by embracing the principles of "Good Growth." As experts in the pizza industry, we understand that setting clear objectives is vital to guide our delicious endeavours and bring about positive change. Without further delay, let us present our appetizing "Recipe For Good." Our pizza-centric goals revolve around three key elements: More Equality, Less Carbon, and Better Packaging. Through collaboration with our global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) team, we have devised these objectives to make sustainability an integral part of our success. Imagine sustainable packaging that stands out, reducing emissions in our dairy supply chain, establishing eco-friendly restaurants, and creating opportunities for our incredible team members and communities. We have all the ingredients for triumph Together, we can make a delectable impact and serve up remarkable positive change. Let's create a world that's as flavourful as our pizzas, where sustainability and equality are always on the menu. Let the pizza party commence Position Overview: The Sr. Manager, Food Innovation & Commercialization is a newly created position with a pivotal role in delivering innovative, traffic-driving menu items and optimizing our core menu to enhance guest satisfaction and profitability. This leader will establish a new Food Innovation Center of Excellence for the UK, working cross-functionally with Menu Strategists, Brand Marketers, Operations, Supply Chain Partners, Suppliers, and the Global Pizza Hut Food Innovation team. This position reports directly to the Director, Global Food Excellence (US-based) and has a strong dotted line to the Chief Brand Officer, UK (London-based). Key Responsibilities: Innovation Leadership: Lead the development of a 24-month pipeline of craveable, traffic-driving menu innovations for the UK and Europe. Collaborate closely with business-unit teams to understand the unique needs of their markets and deliver an innovation pipeline that meets broader regional needs while addressing market-specific demands. Utilize advanced food science techniques and culinary expertise to develop products that meet consumer trends and preferences. Collaborate with Brand Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Suppliers to ensure innovations are on trend, data-driven, and reflect the current operating and competitive environment. Core Menu Renovation: Partner with Consumer Insights, Operations, and Supply Chain to renovate core menu items. Apply sensory evaluation, consumer testing, and statistical analysis to enhance guest satisfaction, facilitate ease of execution at the restaurant level, and improve profitability for our franchisees. Product Development Oversight: Oversee the end-to-end product development process, from ideation through development, validation/testing, and commercialization. Ensure tight collaboration with Food Safety & Quality and Supply Chain partners to deliver high quality, favorable cost, and regulatory compliance. Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to a team of 1-2 R&D professionals supporting menu innovation and optimization for the UK. Utilize expertise in food science to solve complex technical challenges. Franchisee Collaboration: Build productive relationships with Franchisee Food Teams, sharing Global Food Vision & Strategy, and influencing compliance with Global Brand Menu & Ingredient Standards. Provide technical support and training to franchisees to ensure successful implementation of new products and processes. Required Qualifications: 8-10 years of progressive culinary/R&D/innovation leadership experience in a food-forward, multi-unit restaurant/retail brand (or CPG/manufacturing equivalent). Proven ability to develop an innovation pipeline and lead a concept from idea through commercialization. Strong background in food science, culinary arts, or a related field. Technical R&D capability a must. Ability to translate data from various sources (traditional consumer insights, syndicated trend data, pop food culture, social influencers) into strong culinary and business insights to underpin all innovations. People-focused leader, able to attract, build, develop, and inspire both direct reports and key business and franchisee leaders. Curious and creative individual driven by a passion for food and pizza. Consumer-centric with a growth mindset; experience in building capabilities and implementing new ways of thinking. Collaborative working style with experience leading and influencing cross-functional teams. Bias for action and self-motivated; thrives in a fast-paced environment. Strong project management skills with the ability to organize and complete multiple projects efficiently and on-time with tight deadlines. Must reside in the London area and be in the culinary lab a minimum of 4 days/week. Travel: Up to 30% Preferred Qualifications: Culinary and/or Food Science degree preferred but not required. Experience with dough systems, cheese/dairy, sauces, and/or meat toppings preferred but not required. Pizza Hut Europe: Where Ambition Meets Opportunity Joining Pizza Hut Europe means embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with the excitement of a start-up and the support of a globally recognized brand. We're constantly pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and creating exceptional experiences for our customers. So, if you're ready to leave your mark in the thrilling world of Pizza Hut, come join us on this incredible journey. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some demographics are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Pizza Hut Europe, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you feel you are suited to this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with everything listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway – you may be the perfect candidate for this or other roles we have available