Staff Product Manager - Kitchen Innovation

Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone's favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,200+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We're not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we're also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands. 

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn't been done before... we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industryboundaries.  

We're a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we're at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Mas.

At Taco Bell, we're Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below. 

About the Job:

Taco Bell is on the lookout for a dynamic and experienced Staff Product Manager to lead Kitchen Innovation initiatives. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of product development and launch, focusing on both software and hardware components. We're seeking a visionary with a robust product management background, eager to steer our Kitchen Innovation product portfolio towards enhanced technology and streamlined processes. 

What You'll Do: 

• Develop and implement strategic visions and roadmaps for new Kitchen Innovation products, ensuring alignment with our business objectives and technical infrastructure. 
• Spearheaded product discovery to identify and resolve existing problems, adding innovative capabilities to our product backlog. Conduct market research to guide product development based on industry trends. 
• Foster meaningful engagement with franchisees and artfully influence challenging conversations toward positive outcomes. Understand their needs and the competitive landscape to integrate into product strategy.  
• Proactively communicate progress, potential risks, and insights to our senior leadership teams, stakeholders, and franchise owners and board members. 
• Forge and maintain cross-functional partnerships, aligning project goals with our company's evolving standards for architecture, security, and portfolio management. Work in tandem with other product teams to create integrated solutions that meet the overarching needs of our technology ecosystem. Work with a team of technical experts to manage and evolve our product lines efficiently. 
• Cultivate vendor relationships and stay ahead of the curve by incorporating cutting-edge technologies. 
• Manage budgets for software and hardware development, ensuring optimal resource allocation. 
• Uphold high standards of quality assurance across all products. 

About Our Products and Team: 

• Product Lifecycle Management: Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) products, from conception and design to development, launch, and post-launch. Ensure that products meet Quick-Service-Restaurant industry standards, and customer needs. 
• Product Portfolio: We specialize in cutting-edge kitchen display systems, including touch KDS, tablets, and related sub-products, with a steady release cycle for new features and bug fixes. Manage the development and implementation of both the hardware and software aspects of KDS. This includes but not limited to screens, interfaces, and related accessories. 
• Feature Innovation: We aim to enhance kitchen visibility with new features that aid in preparation processes and operational efficiencies. 
• Budget Management: Oversee financial aspects, including budgeting for software deployment, hardware procurement, and resource allocation. Ensure cost-effectiveness and efficient use of resources. 
• Team Dynamics: Our team comprises technical experts who closely collaborate to execute tasks and manage product lines efficiently. Collaborate with engineering, marketing, sales, and customer support teams to ensure product success. Act as a liaison between these departments to facilitate smooth operations and alignment of objectives. 
• Franchisee Relations: With a dynamic presence and excellent communication skills to interact and build strong relationships with franchisees. Understand their needs and expectations to tailor products accordingly. 
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities in the quick service restaurant industry. Use insights to inform product development and strategic decisions.  
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all products meet high-quality standards and comply with relevant regulations and industry practices. 

What We Value: 

• Success: You'll be at the forefront of executing an efficient Agile Scrum process, committed to meeting sprint goals, and dedicated to delivering features that add substantial value in real-world applications. 
• Challenge: We recognize the complexities of product management, especially when it comes to resource allocation and technical expertise. Your role will be critical in navigating these challenges to develop sophisticated features and integrations. 

Who You Are: 

• Proven Leader: With a robust background in product management, you're an expert in wearing various hats-whether it's diving into business analysis, leading Scrum ceremonies, or navigating through complex project landscapes. 
• Agile Champion: Your agility goes beyond methodology; it's a mindset. You're a self-starter, always ready to initiate action and drive progress. 
• Versatile Experience: Your resume includes roles where you've shined in retail, thrived in the medical device sector, or excelled in customer-facing positions, showcasing your versatility and adaptability 

Is This You?

• BA/BS degree in a technical field and 8+ years of product management experience or relevant field. 
• Proficiency in JIRA, and Microsoft Office Suite, and a proven track record in leading both direct and virtual Scrum & Tech teams. 
• Mobile and Web Application Development Platforms: Android/Android Studio, Firebase, or parallel platform
• Knowledge of the inner workings of API Integrations
• Relational Data Bases: SQL, MySQL, MongoDB or tools with a similar function 
• Data Interchange Format: JSON, YAML, BSON, Avro or comparable formats
• Programming Language: Java, Kotlin, Scala, Python or analogous languages
• Knowledge of QA processes, unit testing, component testing, integration testing, UAT
• Strong competency in business analysis, financial management, and strategic planning with a hands-on approach to Agile Scrum methodologies. 
• A proactive, self-starting attitude with experience in retail, medical devices, or customer-facing roles is a significant plus. 

Join Us: 

If you're looking to make a tangible impact and drive innovation within a leading global brand, apply to become the driving force behind our Kitchen innovation. We're excited to welcome a strategic thinker with a knack for product management to our team. 

Apply now to be a part of our journey to revolutionize the fast-food industry through technology! 

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

• Hybrid work schedule and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons 
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building) 
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash, 
• Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions 
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering 
• Tuition reimbursement and education benefits 
• Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program 
• 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution fromYum! Brands with immediate vesting 
• Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
• Discounts, free food, swag and... honestly, too many good benefits to name 

Salary Range: $127,300 - $181,170 annually + bonus eligibility + equity (if applicable) + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Taco Bell, we Live Mas and invite you to do the same. Take a seat at our table. Bring your voice. Bring you, just as you are, a Cultural Rebel. We want you to be your best self! 

Taco Bell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Taco Bell is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.  

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Employment eligibility to work with Taco Bell in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

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