Beverage Strategy Marketing Consultant
At Panda, we all share a common mission: "Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives." We invest in our people because great people run great operations that will exceed our guests' expectations. Talk to any of our associates and you will experience a culture dedicated to its mission and our five fundamental values- Proactive, Respect/Win-Win, Growth, Great Operations, and Giving.
Panda Restaurant Group includes the original Panda Inn fine dining restaurants, Panda Express, our Gourmet Chinese food concept served in a fast casual environment, and Hibachi San, our Japanese grill concept. The family owned and operated company is still run by founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng.
Panda offers competitive benefits and rewarding opportunities, from entry-level positions to management. We have restaurant positions available nationwide and support center positions in Rosemead, CA. Come join the nation's largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant company.
The Beverage Strategy Consultant is responsible for beverage menu optimization for Panda's Tea Bar. This role is responsible for developing and refining current beverage menu for the Tea Bar concept based on consumer research and/or trends. The Beverage Strategy Consultant is responsible for developing a strategy to ensure beverage quality and consistency at a store-level.
Essential functions:
The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this job’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.
- Responsible for beverage menu optimization through identification and anticipation of consumer trends and behaviors that increase guest appeal and satisfaction.
- Identify strategic direction of beverage menu that strikes a balance between business priorities (cost of goods, operational effectiveness and guest expectations).
- Develops the product specifications for new/current products for suppliers and operations. Also responsible for review and/or modify standard operating procedures for Tea Bar offerings.
- Interacts with Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations to determine how products will be priced, packaged, implemented in operations, and identify potential suppliers.
- Ability to identify consumer and regional trends through research to meet guest expectations.
- Development and execution of important new promotions for Panda's Tea Bar
- Conducts consumer research with support from an external consumer research firm or in-house market research team and uses results to improve our understanding of our guests and recommend future actions.
- Advises Director on brand strategies based on market trends, competitor insights and brand learnings
- Bachelor’s degrees; advanced degree preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience in beverage product development
- Successful completion of store training
- Operational experience preferred
- Strong understanding of consumer behavior and trends in beverage
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Thorough knowledge of consumer research
- Thorough knowledge of regulatory and public health food requirements
- Knowledge of sensory practices (the perceptive differences in food from a consumer perspective)
- Strong knowledge of product specifications and quality assurance protocols and testing
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong relationship building skills applied internally and externally
- Strong communication (oral and written), listening, presentation, facilitation, and training skills
- Strong financial and project management and analysis skills
- Computer/technology skills and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to measure and articulate the impact of Product Development programs on Operations and business financials
- Ability to present to large groups within the company
- Ability to enroll others in company initiatives and facilitate process
- Ability to think strategically
- Ability to balance recipe creativity with practical application
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams
Panda Restaurant Group’s culture is strongly guided by our Mission and Values, highlighted on the Panda websites. We recommend all interested candidates become familiar with our Mission and Values, as well as the principles of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey.
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
