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.