Manages the Operations testing of new products in the new product development process. This position works closely with the field to implement, train and follow-up on product tests, product introductions and system-wide operational initiatives. Closely works with product innovation, brand, quality assurance and supply chain to provide any training materials, recipes, and products necessary for new menu items test. Follows up with operators and franchisees to receive any operational feedback regarding all products and procedures. Based on feedback, makes revisions to operational procedures/processes to enhance execution across the system.
Responsibilities:
Monthly Marketing Promotions & Product Tests
Serve as the operations resource for monthly marketing promotions.
Develop execution guides covering product handling, recipes, product builds, POS information, and purchasing details for promotions and product tests.
Identify equipment and small-ware needs for new product rollouts and limited-time product introductions.
Plan and coordinate production of monthly promotional videos for PartnerNet and TOT Zone, supporting training and education for promotions.
Collaborate closely with the training department to ensure effective communication and training materials.
New Product Development and Operational Testing
Partner with product innovation to develop new product recipes and operational procedures.
Lead field teams, operators, and franchisees to test new product feasibility in Sonic drive-ins.
Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to provide food allergen information and prioritize food safety in operational procedures and recipes.
Coordinate with Brand to gather operational insights from new product market tests.
Conduct field visits to launch and follow up on market tests.
Operational Support & Process Improvement
Act as a resource for field teams and franchisees, providing operational guidance and addressing questions.
Assist in identifying needs and areas for operational initiatives, working with various departments, FAC, and teams to create necessary materials and information.
Provide ongoing operational input and collaborate with Supply Chain, QA, Training, Marketing, Brand Development, Field Team, and SRI to ensure accurate, quality communication.
Maintain and improve operational processes and procedures, including the Operations Manual and Job Aids.
Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
Professional Experience: One to five years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have the ability to work on cross functional project teams. Possesses leadership and analytical abilities to interact in group settings, gain group consensus and analyze task at hand to identify system solutions.
Must exhibit the confidence and problem-solving skills to allow feedback from the field to steer projects. Must be collaborative and has the ability to incorporate the ideas of others.
Must be detail orientated, have the ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines.
Should be capable of providing solid deductive reasoning and expressing the rationale associated with decisions.
The ability to build genuine, effective relationships with all constituencies is critical. Strong interpersonal skills are a must.
Ability to resolve problems creatively in addition to providing new solutions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate clearly, move, and remain in a stationary position. The employee must occasionally transport and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must regularly be able to detect, perceive, identify, recognize, judge, inspect, estimate, observe, and assess items, information, and objects in an office setting.