Director, Product Innovation & Strategy (Beef), Burger King, US & Canada

Role Overview Burger King is seeking a bold, consumer-obsessed Director of Product Innovation & Strategy (Beef) to lead menu innovation for the US & Canada markets. This role is responsible for shaping the future of the Burger King menu from ideation through commercialization while honoring brand heritage, operational excellence, and evolving guest expectations. A core focus of this role will be beef innovation, including stewardship of the Whopper®, Burger King’s most iconic platform, and its current and future iterations. The Director will ensure Burger King continues to lead in flame-grilled beef through craveable, differentiated, and operationally executable innovation. RBI follows a 5 day, in-office work schedule to support collaboration. Successful candidates will be expected to work onsite 5 days per week out of our Miami, FL office location. Key Responsibilities Product Innovation & Strategy (Beef Category) Lead end-to-end culinary innovation for Burger King US & Canada, including new product development, LTOs, core menu evolution, and platform innovation for all beef products Translate consumer insights, food trends, and cultural moments into winning menu concepts that elevate flame‑grilled beef and reinforce Burger King’s leadership in burgers Manage a robust innovation pipeline across beef with a clear point of view on when to protect, stretch, or reinvent iconic products Beef & Whopper® Platform Leadership Serve as the culinary steward of the Whopper®, ensuring all iterations deliver on taste, quality, value, and brand relevance Lead development of new Whopper® builds, flavor profiles, formats, and limited‑time offers, while protecting the integrity of the core Whopper® Partner with Supply Chain and QA to drive continuous improvement in beef patty performance, flame‑grill quality, and ingredient specifications Explore innovation across premium, value, customization, and cultural flavors within the Whopper® and broader beef portfolio Product Development & Commercialization Oversee product development from concept creation through kitchen validation, supplier readiness, and national launch Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure beef innovations are executable at scale across franchised and company‑owned restaurants Balance creativity with speed, cost, food safety, and operational simplicity Cross‑Functional Leadership Serve as the Beef Expert and thought leader for US & Canada, collaborating with Marketing on Whopper® storytelling, positioning, and launch strategies Influence franchise partners and advisory councils by clearly articulating the “why” behind beef and burger innovation Present concepts, tastings, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership Brand & Consumer Focus Champion Burger King’s brand DNA while pushing bold, flame‑grilled, beef‑forward innovation Ensure Whopper® and beef innovations reflect regional preferences, cultural relevance, and evolving consumer expectations Team Leadership & Capability Building Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing culinary innovation team Build deep internal expertise around beef, burgers, and flame‑grilling excellence Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Hospitality, or Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Food Science, or related field (advanced degree a plus) 10+ years of progressive experience in culinary innovation, menu development, or R&D—preferably within manufacturing or large‑scale foodservice. Demonstrated success leading beef or burger‑centric innovation at national scale Strong understanding of franchised restaurant operations, supply chain constraints, and cost management is a plus Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and franchise partners Experience leading teams in a matrixed organization Key Competencies Deep passion for burgers and beef‑forward innovation Strategic, brand‑minded culinary leadership Strong commercial and operational acumen Executive presence with the ability to tell a compelling food and brand story Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, highly visible environment Expected travel of up to 40% #J-18808-Ljbffr North American Meat Institute - The University Of Illinois