This position maintains and improves the quality of KFC Chicken Brand Standard products, while developing new ones; by partnering with FIT managers around the world as well as multiple KFC poultry suppliers ensure the safety, quality, and consistency of poultry products delivered to KFC restaurants.

• Drives KFC Global Food Innovation and Technology as well as Yum! Food safety and Quality Assurance strategy, goals and objectives.
• Partner with a Global Poultry Product Managers or FIT leaders around the world to meet current Poultry Brand Standard specifications.
• Supports poultry commercialization initiatives, spec review and supply chain initiatives as guided by FIT KFC Global Sr. Manager.
• Manages relationship with multiple poultry suppliers through his/her market counterparts.
• Develop a monitor & performance system to ensure compliance to specifications and Yum QA Programs by markets.
• Drives follow up and corrective action plans on all critical issues.
• Develop new poultry products to increase the KFC Core menu. i.e. new chicken fillet, chicken nuggets, 9pz cut within different weight ranges.
• Ensures specifications comply with all FDA/USDA and local regulatory guidelines, manages specification updates ensuring all markets comply and meet product design requirements.
• Monitors raw material supply and demand trends to determine changes in Global specifications that can positively impact the business; assists development of contingency plans for such occurrences.
• Provides risk/benefit analysis of supplier partners and influences approved supplier decisions based on supplier performance against key metrics.
• Identifies opportunities for product/process improvements through root cause and trend analysis.
• Leads “Global Poultry Colleges” to drive quality improvements for KFC ingredients.

Education/Certifications:

Bachelor of Science in Poultry Science, Food Science or related scientific field. M.S./PhD. Preferred.

Experience:

• Years of Experience – 10 years food industry experience in poultry QA, Production, Processing and/or R&D minimum 3 years supervisory/management experience.
• Demonstrated success in talent management and assessment.
• Strong product management experience.
• Willing to travel up to 40%.
• Strong interpersonal skills and strong personal initiative.
• Must be able to build alliances and be a team player.
• Must be able to present material in composed and confident manner.
• Strong application of principle, practices, and procedures within area of specialization.
• Ability to plan and prioritize multiple projects.
• Must be able to execute projects within timelines and budgets.
• Must be able to anticipate and identify potential challenges and recommend course of action to resolve.
• Must demonstrate sound judgement and strong reasoning skills.