Director, Insights, Innovation and RandD

Position: Director, Insights, Innovation and RandD (18-month contract)
The Director, Insights, Innovation, & R&D leads the consumer insight, menu innovation, product development, and food quality agenda for KFC Canada. This role turns consumer and business insight into a growth-driving innovation pipeline, modernizes KFC's core products, and leads the FIT (Food Innovation & Technology aka Product Development) team from concept through commercialization. The Director partners closely with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain and franchisees to ensure products are distinctive, consumer-led, operationally executable and delivered to KFC quality and food safety standards.

If you are a leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can navigate ambiguity with action, has ambition to deliver impact and a spirit of what is possible – KFC is an environment that will empower and support your success.

Education/Certifications

Required:

Post-secondary degree in business, marketing, or related discipline

Preferred: MBA

Experience

10+ years of progressive experience across consumer insights, innovation, product development/R&D, brand, food science or related commercial functions

Demonstrated experience leading teams and an end-to-end food innovation pipeline from insight and concept through product development, testing, commercialization and launch

Style that inspires and unites cross-functional teams, bringing clarity in strategy and empowering whilst holding accountable with a spirit of taking people with you.

Compelling communications capability, translating complex ideas simply to bring clarity and alignment across a diverse set of stakeholders.

Strong track record of translating consumer insight into commercial growth strategies and high-impact innovation.

Strong understanding of operations, supply chain and commercialization requirements; able to balance consumer desirability, operational feasibility and commercial viability.

Proven ability to modernize core products while building a forward-looking innovation pipeline.

Ability to influence senior leaders, franchisees, and complex matrixed stakeholders through ambiguity and transformation.

Ability to effectively develop and lead high-performing technical and commercial talent.

Ability to balance enterprise-level strategic thinking with curiosity, creativity, pace, and hands-on problem solving.

A passion for food, consumers, and emerging trends

We’d prefer this role to have…

Prior experience in QSR, food manufacturing/FMCG, or food retail

What makes KFC a great place to work?
Our People.
We invest in people capability above all else, with a proven track record of developing internal talent to leadership levels across the business both in Canada and globally. We hire and develop people who lead with Smart, Heart and Courage to make a big impact on the business today and grow into leaders of the future.

Our Culture.
We are known for a culture that rewards and recognizes bold results and promises everyone a seat at our table. We focus on your personal development as much as your professional development to ensure you can bring your best self to work.

Why you’ll love working here

Hybrid work model (2-3 days per week in office)

Paid vacation and personal days, plus 10 paid KFC Canada holidays in addition to statutory holidays.

Comprehensive health and dental benefits, including HSA and PSA options that allow you to personalize your coverage, plus life insurance and disability coverage, with employer-paid premiums

Family-inclusive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and virtual care

Paid parental leave with salary top-up

RRSP and DPSP retirement programs with employer matching

Annual tuition reimbursement program

Employee referral rewards

And so much more!

Note:

remuneration, benefits, and other perks may vary by role, employment status, eligibility,…