Manager, Innovation, Tim Hortons, LAC

Role Overview Tim Hortons is seeking a creative Innovation Manager to lead the strategic product innovation pipeline and calendar strategy for the Latin America region. The role will work cross‑functionally with key stakeholders to refine our innovation process, deliver a clear product strategy, and optimize product quality, costs, and operational processes of new and existing products. The focus is to shape the innovation strategy, monitor proper product launch, and achieve incremental sales targets while boosting consumer preference. Key Responsibilities Lead generation and delivery of the yearly innovation calendar of core product platforms and LTOs in accordance with brand strategy, consumer insights, market trends, sales targets, and COGs. Lead ongoing strategic and ad‑hoc innovation projects with proper tracking and key stakeholder communication. Conduct weekly project status meetings with regional and global stakeholders. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including quality assurance, procurement, operations, marketing, suppliers, and franchisees—to troubleshoot and resolve project challenges. Work with internal and franchisee marketing, innovation, and ops teams to develop product concepts, recipes, and operation manuals. Collaborate with procurement to evaluate COGS feasibility of new product launches. Assist the QA team with ingredient specifications and provide improvement recommendations. Monitor launches, execution, and KPIs to ensure successful and impactful product roll‑out. Oversee local and international suppliers during the development of new products and hold them accountable for meeting technical, quality, and cost specifications. Monitor product life‑cycle and frequently optimize menu offerings. Identify market opportunities and trends to generate new product lines. Identify technical issues in existing products or ingredients and generate improvement action plans. Generate sensorial testing jointly with key stakeholders to ensure consumer preference and product standards. Meet with suppliers to discuss cost‑reduction and quality‑improvement opportunities, and visit production facilities when needed. Facilitate regular supplier meetings and assist in onboarding new suppliers to ensure compliance with brand policies and regulations. Assist operations in determining equipment settings, holding and handling to ensure product quality, speed of service, and easy execution. Support procurement in identifying limitations within product specifications and finding alternatives. Work with franchisees to manage supplier lead times, production, and rollout of products, and manage product transition with franchisees including review of local alternatives. Skills & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in food science, culinary arts, or related fields. Minimum 3+ years in similar roles in QSR or kitchen experience (preferably). Proven ability to deliver and facilitate structured innovation plans and execution. Data‑driven mindset with proven experience in consumer research methodologies and execution. Strong understanding of restaurant operations, supply chain constraints, and cost management. ServSafe certification is a plus. Fluency in both English and Spanish is required. Key Competencies Strategic, brand‑minded culinary leadership. Strong analytical and operational mindset. Executive presence with the ability to tell a compelling food and brand story. Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, highly visible environment. Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously. Committed to delivering under pressure with a positive attitude. Expected travel up to 50%. Benefits Benefits at all of our global offices focus on physical, mental, and financial wellness. We offer a comprehensive global paid parental leave program, free telemedicine, and mental wellness support. Legal Notice Restaurant Brands International and all of its affiliated companies (collectively, RBI) are equal‑opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr 3129 Tim Hortons USA Inc.