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Drive Thru Innovation Manager

Irvine, CA

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 industry boundaries.   

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 Más.

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:

The Customer Access Points Project Manager is responsible for defining the drive-thru of the future for Taco Bell. This role drives impact across the Taco Bell business through maintaining a seamless and satisfying customer journey across various touchpoints, contributing to improved customer satisfaction, loyalty, and brand growth. With this role, the opportunities are endless1 The Manager, Drive-Thru of the Future will report to the Director of Throughput and Kitchen Innovation.

The Day-to-Day:

  • Partner with the Architecture & Design team to define the drive-thru of the future for Taco Bell, building on our history of innovation and drive-thru excellence (inclusive of the well-publicized Defy restaurant) to serve more customers more quickly with Team Members set up for operational excellence to achieve new levels of transactional throughput and a differentiated and superior customer experience.
  • Establish mechanisms to identify and share innovative best practices, especially across dual lane drive-thrus and newer formats, across the system.
  • Determine which elements of future designs have a clear ROI and can be scaled in a retrofit solution across existing restaurants.
  • Regularly update stakeholders on project progress, milestones, and potential issues.
  • Efficiently manage third-party vendors and suppliers by allocating and managing resources effectively, including personnel, technology, and budget, to ensure goals are executed smoothly and efficiently.
  • Ensure that customer access points adhere to relevant industry regulations and security protocols, especially in cases involving personal and sensitive customer information.

Is This You?

  • Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent years of experience.
  • 8+ years of experience with restaurants or food service environments preferred.
  • Proven ability to drive change and tangible innovation within established brand and operating models.
  • Track record of breakthrough innovation in a retail environment leading to new systems and operating models that enable transformational transactional throughput and a faster and more pleasant customer pickup experience relative to prior formats and operating models The ability to keep up with the latest restaurant techniques to stay relevant and create cutting-edge solutions.
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, multi-task, and adapt to change in a complex, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment.
  • The ability to prioritize and proactively manage multiple tasks with the desire to have a large impact on our organization.

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 from Yum! 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: ­­$104,600 to $142,065 annually + bonus eligibility + 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 Más 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.  

US Job Seekers/Employees - Click here to view the “Know Your Rights” poster and supplement and the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

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

California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect from you and how we use, sell, and share that information, please see our Privacy Notice for California Contractors and Privacy Notice for California Employees.

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