Program Manager

Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC, a Yum! Brands Co-op is currently seeking a Program Manager to join the Habit Operations Team in Irvine, California.

This role supports flawless execution of supply chain initiatives for The Habit Burger Grill, serving 390+ restaurants nationwide. The Program Manager collaborates with RSCS, suppliers, distributors, and brand partners to manage projects that enable uninterrupted supply, cost optimization, and operational excellence.

• Testing new products and core menu upgrades
• Driving Restaurant Margin Improvement (RMI) initiatives
• Specification optimization testing and implementation
• Supporting restaurant development, equipment assets, and smallwares

This is a hybrid role; on site 2-3 days/week at the Taco Bell Headquarters in Irvine, CA.

We offer excellent benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, Retirement, Holidays, Floating Holidays, and much more.

• Manage and execute supply chain initiatives from test kitchen concept through commercialization for national launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners, suppliers, and distributors to develop supply strategies that minimize risk and maximize flexibility.
• Identify and document supply chain requirements for all initiatives, including planning contingencies, capacity assurance, and ingredient procurement timelines.
• Capture and apply key learnings to drive continuous improvement and future planning.
• Manage program documentation including inventory authorizations and notifications.

• Execute cost‑saving strategies that deliver margin improvement while maintaining quality, food safety, and customer experience.
• Support development of a multi‑year roadmap for margin improvement initiatives in alignment with leadership.
• Facilitate monthly alignment between RSCS and brand for financial reporting and analysis.
• Provide timely updates and insights to RSCS, brand partners, and leadership.

• Partner with Habit brand asset and operations teams to align on new designs, specifications, processes, and strategies.
• Manage development pipeline and equipment base business needs to ensure supply continuity.
• Drive actions to reduce costs and lead times in support of RMI opportunities.
• Serve as a single point of contact for internal and external partners to ensure alignment and connectivity.

• Develop and maintain key relationships with internal and external partners including brand, suppliers, and distributors.
• Drive a culture of collaboration in a matrixed organization.
• Lead special projects and other duties as assigned by management.

• Required:
  
  3–5 years of business experience in one or more of the following areas:
  Demand Planning, Project Management, Program Management, Supply Chain, Operations, and/or Procurement.
• Preferred:
  Experience with food/packaging supply chain planning or project management in the restaurant/food service, distribution, and/or manufacturing environment.
• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field.
• Preferred: MBA or master’s in supply chain management.
• Certifications preferred: APICS CPIM, Six Sigma Green Belt, ISM CPSM.
• Role model RSCS’s World Class with Class (WC2) Cultural Values
• Strong project management and collaboration skills
• Ability to influence decisions and outcomes.
• Process orientation and problem‑solving capability.
• Data analysis and insight development
• Negotiation skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Presentation skills geared toward Director/VP levels.