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 Trackers
• Effectively 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 activities
• Actively participates in franchisee and internal meetings

Experience:

• • Undergraduate degree in food science, chemistry or related field
  • 5-8 years of Product Development/Project Management experience with a multinational QSR, CPG or Food Manufacturer
  • Cross-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 preferred
  • International QSR experience, preferred

Skills:

• • Fluent in English (verbal and written)
  • Strong interpersonal communication
    • Effective 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+ franchisees
• • Strong knowledge of QSR store/equipment operations
  • Ability to led through influence
  • Proven track record of both benchtop product development work and required accompanying documentation (specifications, training materials, etc.) associated with product development
  • Ability to maintain attention to detail, multitask and work well under pressure
• Competencies
  • Must be results/goal oriented demonstrating effective problem-solving techniques
  • Ability to work and communicate and collaborate effectively within a cross functional diverse team environment and with industry stakeholders and franchisees
  • Strategic thought leader with the ability to execute to business needs
  • Self-motived with a high level of personal responsibility and an efficient and good team player
  • Ability to develop, manage and implement projects in a timely, cost-effective manner.
• Other requirements
  • Ability to work on evenings and weekends, as necessary to meet project deadlines
  • Willingness to participate in early morning and late-night conference calls to accommodate global time zones
  • Must have the ability to travel internationally including the US and all countries throughout APAC as needed (30%)

• No food or beverage allergies that would prevent you from tasting products or working in and around a Dairy Queen restaurant environment.

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.