Sr., Scientist Food Innovation

• Lead portions of the new product development process, including concept development, benchtop prototyping, ingredient exploration, and formulation refinement.
• Conduct product evaluations, sensory testing, and in-restaurant validations to assess consumer acceptance, operational feasibility, and product performance.
• Partner with suppliers to support the development of new ingredients and components, review technical data, and help refine specifications required for scale-up and commercialization.
• Analyze consumer insights, operational data, and cost implications to guide product decisions and recommend improvements that enhance appeal, feasibility, and value.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (Marketing, Operations, QA, Supply Chain/RSCS) and deliver clear reports, technical documents, and presentations that communicate progress, findings, and recommendations.
• Monitor food, flavor, and QSR innovation trends to identify whitespace opportunities and inspire forward-thinking product concepts.
• Represent the FIT team in innovation and commercialization meetings by providing product development expertise, sharing updates, identifying risks, and contributing solutions.
• Own and independently manage defined NPD projects from concept through testing phases, ensuring timely progress, alignment to brand strategy, and readiness for scale-up.

You will collaborate closely with the broader Food Innovation team and cross-functional partners across Marketing, Operations, QA, Supply Chain/RSCS, and supplier partners. You will provide project updates to KFC US stakeholders and work closely with your coach on the NPD menu agenda.