Job Summary:

The Director, Operations R&D & Execution, BK US&C is responsible for ensuring operational readiness and executional excellence for all new product, process, and promotional initiatives across the Burger King U.S. system. This role leads the development and implementation of operational procedures and smallwares strategies that enable scalable, efficient, and franchisee-friendly execution in restaurants. The Director will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and franchisees to test, validate, and refine operational solutions prior to national launches. In addition, the Director, Operations R&D & Execution, BK US&C is responsible for the strategic design and implementation of brand-wide initiatives spanning beyond the product scope, including but not limited to equipment rollouts and innovation initiatives.

Job Description:

(50%) Operational Readiness & R&D Execution

• Lead the development, testing, and implementation of operational procedures for new and enhanced products, processes, and promotions.

• Oversee the strategic design and deployment of smallwares and equipment solutions, with a focus on SKU consolidation and leveraging existing tools.

• Partner with Culinary, Commercialization, Training teams, and leadership to ensure operational feasibility and alignment across all launch phases.

• Conduct in-restaurant testing and validation of new initiatives to ensure executional success across diverse restaurant layouts and formats.

• Provide feedback and recommendations based on market test observations to inform product or process redesigns prior to national rollout.

• Ensure all operational materials and communications are clear, actionable, and aligned with brand standards

• Manage project execution and budget resources for respective initiatives

(50%) Franchise Collaboration & Field Integration

• Serve as a key liaison between the R&D function and franchisee community, including collaboration with the Franchise Council and field operations teams.

• Facilitate feedback loops with franchisees to identify executional challenges and co-create solutions that drive operational simplicity and guest satisfaction.

• Support the development of training content and operational documentation to ensure consistent execution across the system.

• Partner with field teams to ensure successful adoption and implementation of new initiatives in restaurants.

• Travel to markets as needed (up to 33%, varying based on the brand’s product launch calendar) to support in-restaurant testing, franchisee engagement, and operational troubleshooting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Hospitality, or a related field.

• 5–8 years of professional experience, including project management, stage-gate product development, and market testing

• A minimum of two years of people management experience leading teams with multiple direct reports at various levels and demonstrated results leading through others.

• Experience as a multi-unit manager or regional restaurant brand consultant preferred.

• Familiarity with decision making process for national or global brands and ability to implement national or global initiatives successfully.

• Strong conceptual and problem-solving skills with the ability to define success criteria and create measurable outcomes.

• Persuasive communication and interpersonal skills to influence franchisees and cross-functional partners.

• Strong organizational and planning skills; ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Ability to travel up to 33%, with flexibility based on business needs.