Director, International/New Markets Product Development

Since 1940, Dairy Queen® has been one of the world’s best known and loved brands. Based in Minneapolis, MN, International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. As a leading franchisor, there are more than 7,000 independently owned and operated restaurants in the U.S., Canada and more than 20 countries around the world. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

Here at IDQ, we create extraordinary Fan experiences every day and we do this through our commitment to hiring and retaining only the best in class talent. We firmly believe that our employees are the catalyst to the success of the company where their initiative, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit are recognized and rewarded. We're looking for motivated, passionate and dedicated individuals with an inherent need and ambition to go after bigger challenges.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Director, International Product Development located out of our corporate office in Bloomington, Minnesota.  This position is responsible for leading international product development and business initiatives across the Dairy Queen brand.  Requires development of product innovation ideas, projects, relationships, assets, and the prioritization between short and long-term initiatives needed to fulfill product strategies.  Position to apply strong business intuition, and influence in both direct and indirect reporting relationships across the business, especially with all international franchisees.  Works closely with all functions and levels to ensure alignment of all new products programs, processes and initiatives.  This role requires both strong business and technical experience in food service product development.   This position will own and drive projects in addition to leading a team. 

This position supports all international regions and markets, which includes China, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America & Caribbean, along with new market entry from a product development perspective.

Key Accountabilities Include:

• Using strong leadership, strategic, creative thinking skills, and positive influence, oversee the development and prioritization of the new and core product pipeline.   Define strategic innovative product development standards and processes to that drive sales and transactions globally.  As needed, lead cross functional teams and vendors through complex projects from idea to implementation.  Collaborate internally and externally to drive business results.  Make timely and effective decisions and recommendations on complex issues, drawing from significant industry experience.  
• Establish an environment of coaching and development among both direct and indirect reports.  Must be present and available for routine interactions.  Consistent display of a strong sense of ownership and instill high expectations for team.   Foster a variety of thinking and creative styles to solve challenging business issues. 
• Work closely with external vendors and suppliers to develop partnerships and strengthen our pipeline of innovative solutions and technologies.  Lead the generation of ideas (ideas can come from the market, franchisees, vendors, suppliers, idea generation sessions, etc.) and utilize that pool of ideas to drive product innovation. 
• Interpret international competitors’ activities, industry and consumer trends and food technology advancements to conceptualize and develop products and platforms which drive operating efficiencies and IDQ profitability.  Initiate technology development and product development processes that support strategically significant business opportunities and competitive advantage.  Think globally and long term when ideating, developing and strategizing.
• Develop strong business relationships with both internal and external partners, including key external vendors, franchisees and all internal departments to ensure cross-functional execution is achieved.  Work closely with franchisees to influence their understanding and support of the product innovation strategies and plans.  Present information, strategies, and new product concepts to executives, cross functional leaders, franchisees and professional organizations in a manner that influences, inspires action and achieves established corporate goals. 

Education/Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in food science, chemistry or related fields is required.   Master’s degree in related field is preferred.
• At least 7-10 years of progressively responsible R&D experience with a QSR or Food Service company.
• At least 3-5 years of experience effectively managing professional level product development staff and leading cross-functional teams remotely.
• Demonstrable record of achievement in leading a team to create and implement a pipeline of innovative and successful products. 

Skills:

• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas.
• Relationship building skills with the ability to create mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external clients.  Ability to collaborate with and influence others.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop visual tools, articulate product development concepts and strategies to a variety of audiences, including senior leadership teams and franchisee leadership groups/councils.
• Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to lead other departments, such as Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and FSQR, to complete projects on time.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to travel globally up to 30%.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.   You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Benefits

Our benefit package supports the well-being of our employees and their families.  Our comprehensive benefit package includes, medical, dental, 401K match, paid time off (including volunteer time as well as parental leave) and so much more  To learn more about our great benefit offerings, Click Here.

Work Environment

Most positions located out of our global headquarters in Bloomington, MN will work a hybrid work schedule where you will work 2 collaboration days a week.  Additional in office time may be required to support team/project needs.  Positions will be identified as “remote eligible” when consideration will be given to candidates outside of drivable distance to our Bloomington office.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all who touch DQ.  We believe in and commit to fostering a community where employees bring their authentic selves to work; where we recruit, engage and retain employees, franchise owners and suppliers with diverse background and identities; and where everyone feels welcome engaging with our DQ brand.

IDQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. IDQ participates in the US E-Verify program.  You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.