SUMMARY
The International Culinary Innovation Manager leads product development and execution of strategic culinary initiatives to strengthen our current business performance and guide future market launches with a focus on APAC initiatives that tie into our global brand culinary strategy across our active brands. This position will be based in Singapore to support the existing business and future new market growth with key support for our JV Partners and South East Asian markets.
This position will lead and contribute to the development of key Culinary objectives to deliver products that achieve success criteria for consumer, operations & financial goals of the company. This position will play an important part in bringing the International 80/20 strategy to life, including the consumer driven localization of core menu for international markets (80%) and strategic innovation to develop new product platforms (20% when necessary), ensuring International innovation bridges gaps by satisfying consumer needs unmet by existing regional offerings. Additionally, this role will support culinary initiatives and marketing LTOs by collaborating with Field Marketing and Brand Experience to bring strategic concepts to market. The position will also support new market launch readiness, operational efficiencies, commercialization efforts, and supply chain sourcing. A key focus will be tracking regional trends and providing global support for emerging first to market concepts.
This individual must be able to navigate and solve for new and complex issues and be able to gain alignment from both internal and franchisee stakeholders as well as communicate effectively with senior and executive leadership. They must excel at converting consumer F&B trends into relevant product opportunities that will drive franchisee profitability. This role will also spend time assisting in Commercialization activities as needed in order to transition menu items from Concept to Consumer.
Please note that this is an onsite role based at our Singapore Support Center.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Dunkin’ Regional & Global Innovation: Support regionalized innovation and global menu initiatives for the Dunkin’ brand, partnering closely with franchisees to develop and execute marketing tentpoles while identifying opportunities to extend and evolve core innovation platforms.
New Market Launch: Lead and execute in-country consumer testing. Localize products and collaborate with cross functional team to assist with menu strategy, commercialization and procurement
Localized Baskin Innovation: Lead the creation and commercialization of strategic, regionally relevant flavor innovations featured on the annual International Marketing Roadmap, integrating consumer insights and addressing key business need states. Partner cross‑regionally with culinary leads to support development while building strong, collaborative relationships with JV partners to drive Baskin business growth.
Emerging Growth Brands: Support emerging brands through menu strategy, innovation development, and implementation. Collaborate with franchisees and the Global Culinary Team to deliver fresh, relevant, and operationally executable menus across brands including Jimmy John’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, and Arby’s.
Core Menu Localization: Work with commercialization, supply chain and regional business teams for core menu item development, localization and optimization requirements
Relationship Management: Both internal and external relationships in order to facilitate alignment and keep engagement high
Assists with ad hoc projects, presentations, and reports to support the Director, International Brand Experience and Vice President, International Marketing
Product Innovation and CPG Support: Cross brand retail CPG products as needed; product improvements and new development
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary or related degree
Minimum 5 years Culinary and Commercialization experience required
Restaurant industry relevant experience preferred
International experience preferred
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES
Global mindset with ability to eat to diverse cuisines and ingredients, including seafood, proteins, dairy, fruits, nuts, and vegetables
Ability to objectively taste, evaluate, and provide constructive feedback on food products
Experience in recipe development with a working knowledge of food safety, supply chain, and operational requirements
Collaborative team player with the ability to support cross‑functional teams toward shared goals
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to adapt communication style for senior leadership and cross‑cultural audiences
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, with experience creating materials for senior leadership
Ability to set goals, prioritize work, manage time effectively, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision
Sound judgment with the ability to make timely recommendations and decisions
Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
High attention to detail with strong organizational and multitasking skills
Creative, flexible, and open to new ideas and change
Demonstrated project management skills