Senior Manager of Culinary Analytics, Menu Category & Innovation

Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Manager of Culinary Analytics, Menu Category & Innovation plays a critical role in shaping Tatte’s menu, category, and innovation strategy through data-driven insight and disciplined analysis. This role goes beyond reporting. The Senior Manager is responsible for translating complex data into clear, actionable recommendations that directly influence product development, pricing, merchandising, and overall business performance. Working at the intersection of Category Management, Culinary, Bakery, Finance, and Operations, this individual will design testing frameworks, evaluate product performance, and identify opportunities to drive incremental sales, margin expansion, and improved guest experience. This role requires both analytical rigor and business judgment—someone who can move from data to decision, and from insight to action.

Category & Menu Performance Analysis

• Own and evolve Product Mix (PMIX) analysis across dayparts, channels, and regions, linking insights directly to P&L impact
• Lead category deep dives to identify opportunities in menu structure, pricing, and merchandising
• Develop and maintain category-level economic models (mix, volume, margin, contribution)
• Deliver clear recommendations to improve performance, not just report outcomes
• Lead after-action reviews for seasonal menus, holidays, and key initiatives

Innovation & Product Performance Analytics

• Partner with Category Management, Culinary, and Bakery teams to support innovation from concept through post-launch evaluation
• Design and deliver business scorecards for new products, tests, and menu changes
• Conduct pre-post and test-control analyses to assess product performance and incrementality
• Support concept screening and early-stage innovation decisions with data and insight
• Identify opportunities to refine products based on guest feedback and performance data

Forecasting & Financial Modeling

• Develop category-level forecasts to support Planning, Operations, and Supply Chain readiness
• Set and track sales, mix, and cost targets for innovation and in-market tests
• Partner with Finance and Supply Chain to ensure alignment to financial goals and Key Initiatives
• Conduct pricing and elasticity analysis to inform menu strategy and profitability

Test & Learn Leadership

• Design and implement structured testing frameworks (A/B, test-control, pre-post)
• Partner cross-functionally to define hypotheses and success criteria for innovation and growth initiatives
• Lead tracking, analysis, and interpretation of test results
• Ensure insights are translated into clear decisions and next steps

Consumer & Market Insights

• Translate consumer, category, and performance data into actionable insights
• Leverage primary research (surveys, feedback) and secondary sources to inform strategy
• Monitor competitive landscape, menu trends, and pricing benchmarks
• Identify emerging opportunities to strengthen Tatte’s category and innovation strategy

Communication & Influence

• Translate complex analyses into clear, compelling, and visually-driven presentations
• Present insights and recommendations to cross-functional partners and leadership
• Influence decision-making across Culinary, Brand, Finance, and Operations
• Build strong partnerships to ensure insights lead to action and execution

Required:

• 5–7 years of experience in analytics, category management, financial planning, or consumer insights
• Proven ability to translate data into actionable business recommendations
• Strong experience with product mix (PMIX), pricing, or category performance analysis
• Experience designing and analyzing tests (A/B, pre-post, test-control)
• Advanced Excel and strong PowerPoint skills; ability to build models and present insights clearly
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to connect data to business outcomes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Preferred:

• Experience in restaurant, retail, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries
• Familiarity with tools such as SQL, Snowflake, Power BI, Alteryx, or similar platforms
• Experience with syndicated data sources (e.g., NPD/CREST)
• Experience supporting menu strategy, innovation, or pricing decisions
• Background in category management or growth strategy
• MBA or Master’s degree in analytics, business, or related field

OUR BENEFITS & PERKS:

• Competitive pay - ranging from $115,000-$135,000 (depending on experience), and bonus potential of up to 15%
• 401(k) (with a vesting match)
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation time and paid sick time
• Free employee assistance program services
• Free drinks and generously discounted meals

Please note that Tatte is an E-Verify employer.