Research & Development Chef - Richardson, TX

KFC Corporation, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, stands as one of America's most iconic and historic brands with a legacy of success and innovation spanning over 60 years. As the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain, KFC is a proud division of Yum! Brands, the world's largest restaurant company. Yum! Brands operates more than 45,000 restaurants across over 135 countries and territories, featuring globally recognized brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Known for its rich heritage, commitment to innovation, and a strong culture that values diversity and inclusion, Yum! Brands is repeatedly recognized for leadership excellence and gender equality. This role is a dynamic and impactful position within KFC US, where you will play a key role in enhancing the brand's signature menu. As a leader in food innovation and product development, you will contribute to the evolution of KFC's core menu by developing and refining crave-worthy, innovative products that captivate and delight customers. Your responsibilities will include spearheading rigorous research, testing, and evaluation of new ingredients and products to maintain and elevate KFC’s reputation for quality and consistency. Your mission will involve supporting the evaluation of existing menu items and ingredients through detailed product testing, data analysis, and sensory evaluations. Collaborating closely with suppliers, you will gather technical data, ensure compliance with product specifications, and coordinate ingredient trials to push the boundaries of menu excellence. You will analyze consumer trends, operational data, and cost factors to uncover opportunities for product improvement, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction. This position also requires strong partnership with cross-functional teams where you will prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to convey findings, recommendations, and trial results effectively. Staying ahead of industry trends and competitive activities is essential, allowing you to inform and influence strategic initiatives focused on menu and ingredient improvements. Representing the Food Innovation & Technology (FIT) team in cross-functional forums, you will contribute expert insights on food innovation and commercialization, escalate challenges, and propose strategic solutions. The role offers a unique opportunity to drive transformative projects within KFC US, owning key initiatives that shape the future of this historic brand’s menu offerings. This is a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your relentless pursuit of excellence, adaptability, and resilience will be critical to success. You will thrive in fostering teamwork and inspiring peers while advancing KFC’s mission to bring finger lickin’ good food to millions of guests. Joining KFC means becoming part of a major transformation for a global brand renowned for its culinary heritage and commitment to innovation. This position allows you to gain invaluable experience in designing, planning, and managing complex research and development projects that impact the restaurant industry. You will build expertise through close collaboration with Brand Managers, cross-functional teams, and suppliers, all aimed at enhancing the quality and delight of KFC’s menu items. If you are passionate about food science, product development, and driving meaningful change in a storied yet forward-looking company, this role offers an exciting career path with substantial opportunity for growth and impact.

• bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university
• minimum 4 years of relevant work experience in product development
• experience with quick service restaurant brands preferred
• strong oral and written communication skills
• proven analytical abilities
• excellent project management skills
• ability to work effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
• demonstrated resilience and persistence
• team collaboration skills