VP of Product Development

Leaning in is what the Smash in Smashburger is all about!

Our mission is to make a better burger, every time!  To do that, you cannot just sit back.  We believe the more you lean in in life, the more you get out!   We are looking for people who will put their back and their heart into it everything they do!  Who live and breathe the Smashburger Values:

1.    Stay Hungry (Speed with Excellence)

2.    Make Room (Humility to Listen and Learn)

3.    Have Each Other’s Backs (Spirit of Family & Fun)

4.    Take Pride (Guest Focus)

5.    Walk the Walk (Integrity)

Position Overview:

The Vice President of Product Development is responsible for managing the overall health of Smashburger’s product line and leading all aspects of product research, strategy, and development.

You will direct the culinary team, leveraging consumer insights, market analysis, and food science to guide product development. This role focuses on keeping the brand ahead of customer expectations and competition, with a key focus on product strategy, commercialization, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including supply chain and brand teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Strategy & Innovation:

• Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive product strategy to drive profitability, differentiation, and relevance in the marketplace.
• Use consumer insights, competitive analysis, and market research to guide the culinary team on new product directions and ensure the menu aligns with both consumer demand and brand identity.
• Drive innovation by identifying product opportunities that keep Smashburger ahead of competitors and ensure long-term product success.

Research, Analytics & Consumer Insights:

• Oversee and guide research efforts to understand market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging food science to inform product development decisions.
• Use analytics to monitor product performance, sales trends, and customer feedback to refine and optimize the product portfolio.
•  Regularly collaborate with brand team to ensure customer experience insights are integrated into product strategies, driving consumer loyalty and product success.

R&D and Commercialization:

• Lead the R&D process, guiding the culinary team to develop products that are scalable, profitable, and operationally feasible across multi-unit restaurant locations.
• Ensure successful commercialization of new products, from concept through to launch, working closely with supply chain teams to manage sourcing, costs, and operational needs.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including supply chain and brand team, to ensure smooth integration of new products into the business, ensuring they meet operational, financial, and customer satisfaction goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure new products are sourced efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining quality and consistency across all locations.
• Partner with brand team to create compelling product narratives and go-to-market strategies that drive consumer engagement and product adoption.
• Align with operations and field teams to ensure new product introductions are supported by clear training and operational guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• 15 years of experience in product development, product innovation, or a similar leadership role within the restaurant or foodservice industry.
• Proven success in leading product strategy, R&D, and commercialization within a multi-unit, fast-casual, or QSR environment.
• Strong background in consumer insights, food science, and market analytics, with the ability to translate data into actionable product strategies.
• Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Culinary Arts, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).

Travel:
Willingness to travel as required to oversee operations across various markets.

Why Join Smashburger? At Smashburger, we are committed to creating an exceptional dining experience through our fresh, made-to-order burgers and dedication to hospitality. As the VP of Operations, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic, fast-growing brand while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Join us in our mission to serve the best burgers and create lasting memories for our guests.

Smashburger is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Smashburger is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs.

Please note this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. These may evolve as the business needs change.