Sr., Scientist Food Innovation

• Lead portions of the new product development process, including concept development, benchtop prototyping, ingredient exploration, and formulation refinement.
• Conduct product evaluations, sensory testing, and in-restaurant validations to assess consumer acceptance, operational feasibility, and product performance.
• Partner with suppliers to support the development of new ingredients and components, review technical data, and help refine specifications required for scale-up and commercialization.
• Analyze consumer insights, operational data, and cost implications to guide product decisions and recommend improvements that enhance appeal, feasibility, and value.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (Marketing, Operations, QA, Supply Chain/RSCS) and deliver clear reports, technical documents, and presentations that communicate progress, findings, and recommendations.
• Monitor food, flavor, and QSR innovation trends to identify whitespace opportunities and inspire forward-thinking product concepts.
• Represent the FIT team in innovation and commercialization meetings by providing product development expertise, sharing updates, identifying risks, and contributing solutions.
• Own and independently manage defined NPD projects from concept through testing phases, ensuring timely progress, alignment to brand strategy, and readiness for scale-up.

You will collaborate closely with the broader Food Innovation team and cross-functional partners across Marketing, Operations, QA, Supply Chain/RSCS, and supplier partners. You will provide project updates to KFC US stakeholders and work closely with your coach on the NPD menu agenda.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in Food Science or related field.
• Experience:
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor’s.
  • Experience in New Product Development position in the food industry.
• Skills:
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
  • Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form action‑able recommendations.
  • Proven project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast‑paced environment.
• Mindset:
  • Passion for creating craveable, high‑quality food experiences.
  • Curious, resourceful, and energized by innovation and experimentation.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and iterating quickly to move ideas forward.
  • Collaborative team player who inspires others and contributes positively to team culture.
  • Resilient and persistent in driving development work through technical and operational challenges.