Who we are
With more than 13,000 stores in the U.S. and 84,000 stores globally, it is no wonder 7-Eleven, Inc. has been named an iconic brand. In addition to 7-Eleven stores, 7-Eleven, Inc. also operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost locations.
Since inventing the convenience industry in 1927, 7-Eleven has built a rich 96-year history filled with beloved products like Slurpee, Big Gulp and Big Bite, and fan-favorite holidays like Slurpee Day and Bring Your Own Cup Day.
Now, 7-Eleven is on a mission to contemporize the brand and redefine convenience - and we need your help.
About This Opportunity
Utilize consumer insights and industry trends to identify high potential new product/platforms in the world of pizza. Translation of insights into high sales potential products to fill the pipeline for both regional and national product introductions.
- Lead the ideation and conceptualization, development, testing and implementation of pizza products through the 7-Eleven business system by working closely with a cross functional team (QA, Engineering, Purchasing, Ops Development, Sensory, Packaging, Marketing, etc) and utilizing 7-Eleven's Merchandising stage gate product development process. This includes understanding and guiding development across dough, cheese, sauce, and toppings as well as ensuring the finished product is robust and performs in the store environment (Delivery, Storage, Preparation).
- Develop strategies and timelines for product development projects; drive projects to ensure key milestones are met; identify contingency plans and assess risks.
- Develop relationships with supplier/partners to manage and positively influence product development; use technical skills to outline development approach and guidelines.
- Effectively communicate project details and strategies to groups including franchisees, field operations and executives.
- Document the details of the developed products through detailed specifications outlining food safety, organoleptic and physical/chemical attributes.
- Identify capabilities needed including equipment, ingredients, or skills within the partner facilities.
- Utilize food science knowledge to troubleshoot product quality opportunities and/or identify improvements.
Education/Experience
- Bachelors/4 Yr Degree in Food Science, Cereal Science, Culinary Arts or a related field.
- 5+ years in Food Product Development; experience working on Pizza and/or Food Service a plus
- Pizza Ingredient development experience (Dough, Sauce, Cheese, Toppings); knowledge of ingredient functionality and ability to work with suppliers to improve formula functionalities.
- Proven track record of successfully leading product development initiatives from concept to launch.
- Ability to assess and recommend processing equipment for line optimization; Utilize 6 Sigma Techniques/Data Analysis to drive improvements in efficiencies in rates and labor as well as quality.
- Embody the 7-Eleven leadership principles of Customer Obsession, Challenging the Status Quo, Courageous with Your Point of View, Acting like an Entrepreneur and having an 'It Can be Done' Attitude.
- Ability to influence partners, franchisees, merchandising and operations.
- Intellectual curiosity and creativity; passionate about food.