The Product Quality & Innovations Manager, will be a key contributor to Krispy Kreme’s success by delivering on the Fresh Product Calendar, creating awesome doughnut experiences for our guests and ensuring product quality is aligned with the brand standards and continuously adhered to. Role aligns with Operations, Brand Marketing, and Insights to successfully co-develop LTOs from product briefs to launch, working closely with internal and external partners through Krispy Kreme’s IDEAL innovation process. Leading teams to execute on product freshness.
This position reports to the operations director and Marketing Manager
Key roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Key Responsibilities:
Product Quality Management
•Collaborating and creating buzzworthy doughnuts, balancing customer wow and operational ease with omnichannel lens.
•Lead and oversee the quality control process for all products, ensuring consistency in taste, appearance, and freshness across all stores.
•Develop and implement product quality standards, policies, and procedures in alignment with Krispy Kreme's brand standards.
•Conduct regular audits at production sites and retail locations to ensure quality control measures are adhered to.
•Act as the point of contact for resolving any quality-related issues in collaboration with store managers and the operations team.
Product Innovation & Development
•Participates in all stages of the IDEAL process, from ideation, product briefing, bench top development, collection of reviews through launch.
•Lead the product development process from concept to commercialization, focusing on the creation of new doughnut flavors, beverages, and seasonal offerings.
•Stay current on food trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activities to ensure Krispy Kreme remains at the forefront of product innovation.
•Work closely with the marketing team to align product innovations with brand campaigns, holidays, and promotional periods.
•Collaborate with R&D teams, suppliers, and vendors to source ingredients and develop recipes for new and limited-time offerings.
Cross-functional Collaboration
•Partner with the Operations, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams to ensure that product quality is maintained at all touchpoints, from production to customer delivery.
•Coordinate with suppliers and the procurement team to ensure the availability of high-quality ingredients and materials for production.
•Collaborate with training teams to ensure that store staff are properly trained on product handling, preparation, and presentation.
Sustainability & Cost Efficiency
•Develop strategies for sustainable ingredient sourcing, minimizing waste, and improving cost-efficiency without compromising product quality.
•Monitor and report on the financial impact of product innovations and quality initiatives.
Compliance & Safety
•Ensure all new and existing products meet food safety and regulatory compliance standards.
•Lead risk assessments and implement corrective actions related to product safety and quality issues.
Qualifications:
•Education: Bachelor’s degree in food science, Culinary Arts, Product Development, or a related field.
•Experience: 5+ years in product development, food quality assurance, or related roles, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
Skills:
•Strong understanding of food product development, sensory evaluation, and quality control processes.
•Creative and innovative mindset with the ability to translate consumer insights into product ideas.
•Excellent project management skills with experience in leading cross-functional teams.
•Ability to analyze data and trends to drive decision-making.
•Strong communication and leadership skills.
•Knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance standards.
Key Competencies:
•Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high product quality.
•Innovative thinker with a passion for developing new and exciting products.
•Collaborative approach to working with various departments and stakeholders.
•Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
•Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to quality issues.
Working Conditions:
•Full-time role with a mix of office-based work, production site visits, and audits.
•Regular travel to oversee production facilities and coordinate with suppliers.
This role is essential to maintaining Krispy Kreme's reputation for high-quality, delicious products while driving future growth through innovation and customer satisfaction.
