Director, Product Development

The Director, Product Development develops new products based on consumer research into what guests love and value.  This position identifies food trends and how to incorporate those trends in new food items across the company.

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.

Descriptions

• Identifies and anticipates for Panda critical consumer issues that impact the development of new products, such as creating products that are less processed, healthier and safer.  Identifies ways to improve nutritional quality, limit caloric content, and develop ingredients for new recipes to provide new products that guests love.   Research new consumer and nutritional trends to stay ahead of competitors and guest expectations.
• Identifies critical components of potential new products and works with suppliers on creating those components commercially for company-wide implementation.  Develops the product specifications for new products for submission to suppliers.
• Interacts with Purchasing and Supply Chain to determine how new products will be priced and packaged and identifies potential suppliers. 
• Establishes the process for product development, including store testing and collecting product feedback; trains associates on the process.
• Manages, coaches, and develops Product Development Technologists and Coordinators.
• Develops relationship with suppliers to ensure they understand and are familiar with the Panda culture, equipment, and concept.  Visits supplier site and oversees their training by bringing them to Panda stores for first-hand experience.
• Review and modify current menu items related to nutrition, cost, availability of ingredients and improve current items where needed.