Company Description

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges. 

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a food product development manager located in Bangkok, Thailand.  The Product Development Manager is responsible for managing and executing the new product development and ingredient approval processes for International Dairy Queen in the APAC region ensuring all products meet Dairy Queen’s high-quality standards, this includes assisting Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory (FSQR) with vendor approvals. They are responsible for developing new promotional and core products on a limited basis and will spend significant time providing oversight for franchisee-developed products. Works closely with marketing, supply chain, and operations, as well as other cross functional partners, to bring to market products that drive top-line sales and bottom-line improvements for IDQ and its franchisees.

The product development manager needs to be forward thinking, proactive and a self-starter. The manager must have excellent project management, time management, reporting, analytical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Using these skills, this position works as a versatile and efficient team player in a fast-paced and collaborative franchisee environment.

Key accountabilities include:

Product Development

Supports category growth and marketing calendar execution within the APAC Region. Collaborates with cross functional DQ and Franchisee teams, manages the Develop stage of the new product development process in alignment with DQ’s Menu Vision. Embraces the implementation, utilization and management of the DEDVIM (Define, Explore, Develop, Validate, Implement, Measure) Innovation Process to support bringing products to market.Manages and guides the development of new and LTO Menu. Provides approvals for new vendors, ingredients, and product specifications. Performs bench-top, in-restaurant, and desk-based roles related to new & existing product & ingredient reviews/sensory.Performs advanced creative and technical product development assignments within the food/treat category. Identifies product and procedural problems and leads initiatives to find solutions to problems by applying advanced technical knowledge and skill. Analyzes product and procedural issues and takes initiative to recommend solutions to resolve problems by applying technical knowledge.Creates and approves meaningful ingredient specifications, final product specifications and product preparation documents. Manages storage and oversight of product specifications and related product information in DQ’s data management system. Uses food safety knowledge and partners with FSQR teammates to ensure products are safe for consumers.Leverages vendors and external information to stay on top of current trends. Facilitates internal/external ideation and product exploration sessions with DQ Marketing and Franchisee Teams for the treat and food product categories in the region. Presents product ideas to the brand marketing team on an as needed basis in accordance with project timelines. Proactively troubleshoots manufacturing plant procedures for existing and new products

Project Management

Proactively contributes to updating and tracking of on-going projects with peers on the APAC team and franchisee’s using Project TrackersEffectively communicates thoughts and ideas, both written and oral, in a diverse multi-level environment (low, mid, top-level management within IDQ, Franchisee’s and Vendors). Makes recommendations to key stakeholders, including executives and franchisees.Proactively directs and manages suppliers and franchisee PD staff in the development efforts of new ingredients and products

Collaboration and Teamwork

Builds and maintains cooperative working relationships internally and externally and demonstrates DQs values. Effectively communicates DQ’s position from a product development perspective in meetings and in informal interactions with colleagues, franchisees, and suppliers.Provides strategic thought leadership and contributes by identifying key opportunities related to product development and other cross functional activitiesActively participates in franchisee and internal meetings 

 

Qualifications

Experience:

Undergraduate degree in food science, chemistry or related field5-8 years of Product Development/Project Management experience with a multinational QSR, CPG or Food ManufacturerCross-functional managerial experience within a diverse multi-cultural team.Proven track record working in APAC with understanding of the market and culture(s)Working knowledge of food chemistry with a functional understanding of soft serve ice cream preferredInternational QSR experience, preferred

Skills:

Fluent in English (verbal and written)Strong interpersonal communicationEffective communication and presentation skills (fluent in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, MS Teams and Notes)Ability to develop and strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders (IDQ, Franchisee’s, Vendors, Industry Professionals, etc.)Project Management Ability to multitask and manage a minimum of 20+ projects at one time from 8+ franchiseesStrong knowledge of QSR store/equipment operationsAbility to led through influenceProven track record of both benchtop product development work and required accompanying documentation (specifications, training materials, etc.) associated with product developmentAbility to maintain attention to detail, multitask and work well under pressureCompetenciesMust be results/goal oriented demonstrating effective problem-solving techniquesAbility to work and communicate and collaborate effectively within a cross functional diverse team environment and with industry stakeholders and franchiseesStrategic thought leader with the ability to execute to business needsSelf-motived with a high level of personal responsibility and an efficient and good team playerAbility to develop, manage and implement projects in a timely, cost-effective manner.Other requirementsAbility to work on evenings and weekends, as necessary to meet project deadlinesWillingness to participate in early morning and late-night conference calls to accommodate global time zonesMust have the ability to travel internationally including the US and all countries throughout APAC as needed (30%)

Additional Information

 

 

Inclusion & Belonging

We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for all who touch DQ. We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work, and where we recruit, engage, and retain employees, franchise owners, and suppliers based on qualifications and merit. We strive to maintain an environment where everyone feels welcome.