MUST BE LOCATED IN LONDON Company IntroductionWelcome to the flavourful world of Pizza Hut, where our handcrafted pizzas are made with passion But we're not just about pizza; we're here to help you shape your future and reach for the stars. No matter what success means to you, we've got your back every step of the way. Get ready to conquer challenges, seize opportunities, and rise to new heights with us At Pizza Hut, we create an exciting environment that nurtures personal and professional growth. It's a place where we work together, grow as a team, and celebrate each other's achievements. Because when you rise, we all rise So, are you ready to embark on your journey to success? Let's do this Bringing People Together with Pizza Hut's JoyofPizza With over 60 years of history, Pizza Hut has become the world's largest pizza company, with 18,000 stores across 100 countries. We're proud to operate nearly 300 Pizza Hut Delivery outlets in the UK. But wait, there's more to our pizza game We've introduced amazing creations like the legendary Deep Pan, crave-worthy Stuffed Crust, and smile-inducing Cheesy Bites. Our latest mouth-watering innovation? The heart-melting MELTS. And guess what? We're not done yet. Stay tuned for cheesy surprises At Pizza Hut, our North Star is to be the 1 Choice in Pizza, by bringing people together through the joy of pizza. We're like the cheese that binds families, sparks reunions, and turns strangers into pizza pals. Slice by slice, we spread happiness and create lasting memories. Our legacy is cheesy, and we're passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences to our beloved customers, keeping our team members happy, and collaborating with our franchisees. As part of the YUM Brands family, which includes KFC, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill, Pizza Hut proudly stands alongside the largest restaurant group worldwide. Together, we strive for culinary excellence and unmatched dining experiences. So, come on over and let us sprinkle some pizza magic into your life. Pizza dreams do come true at Pizza HutWhy Join Us? Our Recipe for Good At Pizza Hut, we're dedicated to expanding our business and elevating our brand to new heights by embracing the principles of "Good Growth." As experts in the pizza industry, we understand that setting clear objectives is vital to guide our delicious endeavours and bring about positive change. Without further delay, let us present our appetizing "Recipe For Good." Our pizza-centric goals revolve around three key elements: More Equality, Less Carbon, and Better Packaging. Through collaboration with our global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) team, we have devised these objectives to make sustainability an integral part of our success. Imagine sustainable packaging that stands out, reducing emissions in our dairy supply chain, establishing eco-friendly restaurants, and creating opportunities for our incredible team members and communities. We have all the ingredients for triumph Together, we can make a delectable impact and serve up remarkable positive change. Let's create a world that's as flavourful as our pizzas, where sustainability and equality are always on the menu. Let the pizza party commenceAbout the job - The Base'ics The Head of Food Innovation & Commercialization is a newly created position with a critical role to play in delivering traffic-driven new menu innovations as well as optimizing our core menu to deliver guest satisfaction and profitability. This leader will be accountable for establishing a new Food Innovation Centre of Excellence for the UK, working cross-functionally and collaboratively with Menu Strategists, Brand Marketers, Operations, Supply Chain Partners, Suppliers, and the broader Global Pizza Hut Food Innovation team. The Head of Food Innovation & Commercialization will directly report to the CMO, Jana, and a strong dotted line into the Director of Global Food Excellence (US-based). Day in the Life Leads the development of a 24-month pipeline of crave-able, traffic-driving menu innovations for the UK that connect our guests through the joy of pizza. Collaborates with Brand Marketing, Operations, Finance and Suppliers to ensure innovations are on trend, data-driven, and reflect the current operating and competitive environment. Partners with Consumer Insights, Operations, and Supply Chain to renovate core menu items to deliver strong guest satisfaction, facilitate ease of execution at the restaurant level, and deliver improved profitability to our franchisees. Oversees the end-to-end product development process, from ideation through development, validation/testing and commercialization; ensures tight collaboration with Food Safety & Quality and Supply Chain partners to deliver high quality, favourable cost and regulatory compliance. Considers restaurant operations, team member capability and equipment capability throughout the product process to enable restaurant-level execution excellence. Coaches a team of 1-2 R&D professionals to support menu innovation and optimization for the UK. Collaborates closely with 3 business-unit teams (key relationships with GMs and Chief Brand Officers) to understand the unique needs of their markets and deliver an innovation pipeline that meets broader regional needs while addressing market-specific needs. Builds productive relationships with Franchisee Food Teams, sharing Global Food Vision Strategy, and influencing compliance with Global Brand Menu & Ingredient Standards.Reporting and Coaching structure At Pizza Hut, we believe in providing authentic coaching and guidance to everyone to help them excel in their roles at all levels Like pizza, no two individuals will ever be the same, and that's what makes us special. We embrace this uniqueness and understand that handling our careers to meet individual needs is paramount. Personalized Coaching At Pizza Hut, authenticity is at the center of what we do. So, our tailored coaching with your line manager is here to help you develop your skills and enhance your performance. Our coaching approach is designed to support your growth in your role authentically, providing you with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed. Whether it's through structured training sessions, ongoing feedback, or mentorship programs, we're committed to helping you reach your full potential while staying true to yourself. Collaborative Peer Relationships Joining our team means becoming part of a heart-centered collaborative environment where peers support each other's growth and success. Work alongside your colleagues to achieve common goals, share knowledge and experiences, and contribute to a positive and inclusive work culture where empathy and understanding are central to how and why we work. Transparent Reporting Structure Our reporting system integrates input from various levels and collaborative efforts, ensuring efficient communication and strategic alignment with organizational goals. This approach leverages your contributions, ensuring smart results whether collaborating globally with peers, cross-brand, or with franchise partners, to drive Pizza Hut's success.Thrive Key Behaviour Competency to Thrive in this Role Strategic Recognition Curiosity Qualifications and Skills 8-10 years of progressive culinary innovation leadership experience in a food-forward, multi-unit restaurant/retail brand (or CPG/manufacturing equivalent). Demonstrated ability to develop an innovation pipeline and lead a concept from idea through commercialization. Demonstrated ability to translate data from many sources (traditional consumer insights, syndicated trend data, pop food culture, social influencers) into a strong culinary and business insight to underpin all innovations. People-focused leader, able to attract build, develop and inspire both direct reports and key business and franchisee leaders. A curious and creative individual driven by their passion for food and pizza. Consumer-centric and growth mindset. Experience building capabilities and implementing new ways of thinking. Collaborative working style; experience leading and influencing cross-functional teams. Bias for action and self-motivated; thrives in a fast-paced environment. Possess strong project management skills with ability to organize and complete multiple projects efficiently and on-time with tight deadlines. Must be in the culinary lab a minimum of 4 days/week in central London Travel: Up to 30% If you have experience with dough systems, cheese/dairy, sauces and/or meat toppings preferred, but not required. What's in it for you? Competitive salary reviewed annually. Annual bonus, based on company and individual performance. Very generous pension Loaded insurance cover - Private medical, Critical Illness, Life Assurance, Income Protection, and Personal Accident Cover. Hybrid working to ensure this role works for you with our RSC (Head office) by London Bridge. 5 Recharge Days - These are additional days of annual leave for rest and recreation. Flexi-Fri'yays - we aim to finish at 1 p.m. on Friday all year round. Enhanced Parental Leave and return to work policies Vision Benefits - Eye test vouchers Employee Assistance Programme - offering free, confidential advice and support on any issue Online Discounts - up to 50% on a wide range of retailers and service providers Study Support - may be available for job-related qualifications Wellness perks - Flexible and voluntary benefits for you to convert into your own benefit plan unique to you and your lifestyle. Some options include Dental Insurance, Health and Fitness (including gym discounts and health screening), subscription services and memberships, cycle schemes, and travel insurance just to name a few). Pizza Hut Europe: Where Ambition Meets Opportunity Joining Pizza Hut Europe means embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with the excitement of a start-up and the support of a globally recognized brand. We're constantly pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and creating exceptional experiences for our customers. So, if you're ready to leave your mark in the thrilling world of Pizza Hut, come join us on this incredible journey. Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some demographics are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Pizza Hut Europe, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you feel you are suited to this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with everything listed in the, we encourage you to apply anyway - you may be the perfect candidate for this or other roles we have available 3099