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Engineering Project 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 Engineering Manager, reporting to the Senior Manager of Global Engineering, is responsible for leading the equipment strategy execution, including the creation, development, testing, and implementation of new back-of-house equipment for the US and international business. This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration and engagement with suppliers and the franchisee community. Additionally, the Engineering Manager will coach a senior engineer and work closely with the broader engineering team. The ideal candidate will be solutions-oriented and possess extensive knowledge of equipment engineering, with experience in restaurant equipment being a valuable asset.

The Day-to-Day:

  • Inspire and develop a high-performing Taco Bell engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence and growth.
  • Identify, design, and develop strategic goals that support global expansion and scalability.
  • Present strategies and ideas to large groups, senior leadership, and in daily group meetings, encouraging open discussions and diverse viewpoints.
  • Manage projects with a focus on detail, assessing potential risks on scalability and timing for successful implementation.
  • Gather and present program feedback during testing phases, using insights to make necessary adjustments for optimal national execution.
  • Drive innovation by continuously enhancing equipment designs to achieve cost savings, increase productivity, improve speed, optimize ergonomics, ensure reliability, and reduce SKUs.
  • Provide ongoing solutions and support for field operations, addressing challenges and improving processes.
  • Complete functional requirements, specifications, installations, training, and organized project documentation.
  • Stay current on industry trends and best practices, continually updating knowledge of techniques and tools.
  • Build relationships with cross-functional partners and equipment suppliers, ensuring strategy alignment throughout the organizational structure.
  • Establish regular communication with global cross-functional teams to gather feedback and identify process improvements from project inception to completion.
  • Integrate the engineering team and solutions into the Taco Bell test kitchen and broader food team, ensuring cohesive and efficient operations.

 

Is This You?

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Food equipment manufacturing and/or restaurant/QSR experience is preferred.
  • 10+ years' experience in product development and project management of mechanical related products
  • Proven track record of successful project management, with hands-on experience delivering projects on time and within budget.
  • 2+ years' experience in a people management role. Ability to lead, engage, and inspire cross-functional teams, leveraging their expertise and integrating new ways of working. 
  • Self-motivated with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, adaptable to change, and high energy. Able to act comfortably as an individual contributor and demonstrate strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Capable of quickly building trust-based relationships and influencing at various organizational levels.
  • Experience leading external vendors and managing cross-brand partnerships to execute projects.
  • High energy and adaptable, with a proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Knowledge of continuous process improvement processes, methods, and programs. Experience with data analytics tools such as Excel, CAD, and SOLIDWORKS.
  • Willingness to travel domestically 10-30% of the time.

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: ­­$130,500 to $153,600 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.  

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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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