Sr., Scientist Food Innovation
KFC
Plano, TX
Posted today
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in Food Science or related field.
Responsibilities
Primary Duties
- Lead portions of the new product development process
- Conduct product evaluations, sensory testing, and in-restaurant validations
- Partner with suppliers to support the development of new ingredients and components
- Analyze consumer insights, operational data, and cost implications
- Collaborate cross-functionally and deliver clear reports, technical documents, and presentations
- Monitor food, flavor, and QSR innovation trends
- Represent the FIT team in innovation and commercialization meetings
- Own and independently manage defined NPD projects
Experience Requirements
Required
4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's.
4 years of experience
Required Skills
Soft Skills
Proven project management capabilitiesStrong analytical skillsExcellent oral and written communication skills
Full Job Description
Job Title: Sr. Scientist Food Innovation
Company: YUM! Brands, Inc.
Location: Plano, TX
Job Description:
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:
Experience in New Product Development position in the food industry.
4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's.
Skills:
Proven project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form actionable recommendations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
Mindset:
Resilient and persistent in driving development work through technical and operational challenges.
Collaborative team player who inspires others and contributes positively to team culture.
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and iterating quickly to move ideas forward.
Curious, resourceful, and energized by innovation and experimentation.
Passion for creating craveable, high-quality food experiences.
Company: YUM! Brands, Inc.
Location: Plano, TX
Job Description:
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:
Experience in New Product Development position in the food industry.
4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's.
Skills:
Proven project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form actionable recommendations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
Mindset:
Resilient and persistent in driving development work through technical and operational challenges.
Collaborative team player who inspires others and contributes positively to team culture.
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and iterating quickly to move ideas forward.
Curious, resourceful, and energized by innovation and experimentation.
Passion for creating craveable, high-quality food experiences.
How to Apply
KFC
About
Founded in 1930 by Colonel Harland Sanders, KFC is known for its signature fried chicken and secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices. Careers include team members, cooks, and management roles. Fun fact: ...
$25
/ hour
KFC pays $25 for Food Scientist in Plano, TX, with most salaries ranging from $17 to $39. Pay can vary based on role, experience, and local cost of living.
Median
$25
Low
$17
High
$39
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Figures represent approximate ranges and may vary based on experience, location, and other factors. For the most accurate information, please consult the employer directly. Contact us to suggest updates to this information.