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Associate Manager, International Food Innovation & Commercialization

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 Associate Manager, International Food Innovation & Commercialization, supports the development and execution of innovative food products and ingredient strategies for international markets, reporting to the International Food Innovation & Commercialization Manager. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams, including QA, Food Safety, and PD Commercialization, to ensure quality and food safety standards are met throughout the product lifecycle. Additionally, the Associate Manager works closely with regional Business Units to assist with new market entries, market resets, and ingredient commercialization. The ideal candidate brings creativity, organizational skills, and technical expertise to help deliver impactful business results, including meeting brand food standards, increased sales, cost efficiencies, and market growth.

The Day-to-Day:

  • Assist in the development and commercialization of innovative food products and ingredients for international markets, ensuring alignment with brand, consumer, operational, and financial goals.
  • Collaborate with regional Business Units (LAC, EU, APAC) and cross-functional teams (Operations, Brand Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance) to support the execution of global food innovation strategies.
  • Contribute to the management of new market entries, market resets, and ingredient commercialization, ensuring projects meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with supplier networks, chefs, and external vendors to support the development and refinement of product concepts through actionable feedback.
  • Monitor project timelines, track deliverables, and escalate potential challenges to ensure successful on-time delivery of initiatives.
  • Coordinate and assist in focus groups, development sessions, product evaluations, competitive analysis, and regional innovation workshops to gather insights and refine ideas.
  • Prepare and deliver updates, project summaries, and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
  • Research and monitor global and regional food trends to inspire and inform product development efforts.

Is This You?

  • Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, culinary, or related field.
  • 3-7+ years in QSR, CPG, or food manufacturing.
  • Proven ability to bring consumer insights to life, driving innovation from concept to execution with supply chain, marketing, and operational considerations.
  • Experience in manufacturing food ingredients (meats, grains, sauces, dairy, produce) and working in test kitchens, pilot plants, or manufacturing environments.
  • Strong ability to influence, collaborate, and navigate supplier/partner relationships to drive growth and innovation.
  • Commercial acumen to identify trends, optimize processes, and set vision for business growth.
  • Strong presence, ability to engage franchisees, manage productive conflict, and flex communication style as needed.
  • Ability to travel internationally (~20%).

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 
  • 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: ­­$106,700 to $125,400 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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