At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead consumer insights and product innovation for KFC Canada, driving growth and quality.
- Company: Join KFC Canada, a leader in the fast-food industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, comprehensive health benefits, paid vacation, and tuition reimbursement.
- Other info: KFC values diversity and offers a culture that rewards bold results and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation while working in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in insights, innovation, or product development; strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 153000 - 187000 $ per year.
The Director, Insights, Innovation, & R&D leads the consumer insight, menu innovation, product development, and food quality agenda for KFC Canada. This role turns consumer and business insight into a growth-driving innovation pipeline, modernizes KFC's core products, and leads the FIT (Food Innovation & Technology aka Product Development) team from concept through commercialization. The Director partners closely with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain and franchisees to ensure products are distinctive, consumer-led, operationally executable and delivered to KFC quality and food safety standards.
If you are a leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can navigate ambiguity with action, has ambition to deliver impact and a spirit of what is possible – KFC is an environment that will empower and support your success.
Education/Certifications
- Required: Post-secondary degree in business, marketing, or related discipline
- Preferred: MBA
Experience
- 10+ years of progressive experience across consumer insights, innovation, product development/R&D, brand, food science or related commercial functions
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and an end-to-end food innovation pipeline from insight and concept through product development, testing, commercialization and launch
- Style that inspires and unites cross-functional teams, bringing clarity in strategy and empowering whilst holding accountable with a spirit of taking people with you.
- Compelling communications capability, translating complex ideas simply to bring clarity and alignment across a diverse set of stakeholders.
- Strong track record of translating consumer insight into commercial growth strategies and high-impact innovation.
- Strong understanding of operations, supply chain and commercialization requirements; able to balance consumer desirability, operational feasibility and commercial viability.
- Proven ability to modernize core products while building a forward-looking innovation pipeline.
- Ability to influence senior leaders, franchisees, and complex matrixed stakeholders through ambiguity and transformation.
- Ability to effectively develop and lead high-performing technical and commercial talent.
- Ability to balance enterprise-level strategic thinking with curiosity, creativity, pace, and hands-on problem solving.
- A passion for food, consumers, and emerging trends
We’d prefer this role to have…
- Prior experience in QSR, food manufacturing/FMCG, or food retail
What makes KFC a great place to work?
- Our People. We invest in people capability above all else, with a proven track record of developing internal talent to leadership levels across the business both in Canada and globally.
- Our Culture. We are known for a culture that rewards and recognizes bold results and promises everyone a seat at our table.
- Hybrid work model (2-3 days per week in office)
- Paid vacation and personal days, plus 10 paid KFC Canada holidays in addition to statutory holidays.
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits, including HSA and PSA options that allow you to personalize your coverage, plus life insurance and disability coverage, with employer-paid premiums
- Family-inclusive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and virtual care
- Paid parental leave with salary top-up
- RRSP and DPSP retirement programs with employer matching
- Annual tuition reimbursement program
- Employee referral rewards
- And so much more!
Note: remuneration, benefits, and other perks may vary by role, employment status, eligibility, and other relevant factors.
Additional Information
This posting is for an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining KFC Canada; however, only those selected for further screening will be contacted. Applicants are assessed based on skills and experience relevant to the role. Canadian experience is not required.
KFC Canada is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone feels they belong. In accordance with applicable laws, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to meet the needs of applicants. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know.
The expected hiring range for this role is $160,000 to $210,000 CAD, inclusive of base salary. Final compensation will be based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
KFC Canada uses artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including application screening and assessment, in accordance with applicable legislation. All final hiring decisions are made by human decision-makers.
Director, Insights, Innovation and RandD in Vaughan employer: KFC
KFC Canada is an exceptional employer that prioritizes the growth and development of its people, offering a supportive culture that values bold results and inclusivity. With a hybrid work model, comprehensive health benefits, and a commitment to personal and professional development, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while enjoying a balanced work-life experience. The company fosters strong relationships with franchisees, ensuring that every team member has a meaningful impact on the brand's success across the country.
