Operational Product Execution Manager (Project Manager II)- Hybrid

  • Full-time
  • Job Duration: Regular

Company Description

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.

    Job Description

    We have an exciting opportunity for a Operational Product Execution Manager (Project Manager II) located at our Bloomington, MN headquarters.  The Project Manager will operate as a highly skilled operations-focused project developer and manager with ability to identify, assemble and lead cross-functional subject matter experts to ensure the effective operational validation, execution and testing of International Dairy Queen’s Food and Treat products. This position must be capable of building short and long-term project management plans through identification of appropriate subject matter experts, incorporating the RACI matrix throughout all stages of project/programs.  Must be able to build strong and collaborative partnerships with internal stakeholders across the business, as well as franchisee leadership groups as appropriate.

    This is an individual contributor role (no direct reports).

    Key Accountability Includes:

    Project Management/Leadership:

    Product Validation, Execution and Testing

    • Conduct operational product validation processes in lab setting and in restaurants to include food safety critical control points, quality control points, portion weights/measures, consistency, time and motion studies, packaging, and smallware/ equipment settings.
    • Lead cross-functional teams including marketing, R&D, QA, operations, corporate stores, and franchisees in various projects related to testing in new products, menu concepts, and/or core menu item improvements.
    • Develop and manage comprehensive project plans by properly facilitating internal processes and cross-functional meetings.
    • Participate in virtual meetings with test location franchisees, store leadership teams and field operations to garner and collate critical business insights leading to go/no go decisions.
    • Analyze test data including operator surveys and consumer feedback to identify any executional challenges and provide direction on improvements when appropriate.
    • Improve preparedness of field staff and franchisees for new product launches.  Create, write, and facilitate technical preparation procedures for delivery of proper curriculum support.
    • Prepare and deploy operations processes, documents, and tools designed to successfully launch promotions relative to annual marketing calendar.  Lead and facilitate cross-functional meetings to design communication and launch plans.

     

    Qualifications

    Education/Experience:

    • B.A./ B.S. Degree in Business or other relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
    • Minimum track record of 5-8+ years of successfully and independently managing increasingly complex operations-focused projects, cross-functionally.
    • Minimum 5 years of food service or retail operations project management experience preferred.
    • Project management certification or other project management specialized education and training, preferred.
    • Advanced computer skills and a demonstrated ability to utilize software such as Smartsheets, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and MS Excel to prepare and deliver presentations.

    The following competencies and skills are critical to success in this role:

     Accountability and Drive for Results.

    Demonstrated ability to proactively and independently:

    • Identify opportunities, gather relevant information, and input from others, and offer realistic solutions. 
    • Take the initiative to find and implement solutions quickly and effectively.
    • Plan ahead to achieve results, breaks down work into steps; anticipate and adjust for problems and evaluate results.
    •  Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within a deadline-driven environment.
    • Well organized with a high attention to detail and accuracy.

    Strategic Thinking

    • Being strategic about project management is a key skill set; expected to be constantly evaluating whether a particular project or direction is the right way to proceed, how do we make processes and tools better, versus simply maintaining.
    • Proactively anticipates issues or problems within the scope of one’s role.

    Change and Continuous Improvement

    • Demonstrated ability to challenge the status quo, be forward-thinking and to propose/drive improvements in processes and tools. Ability to generate new and viable ideas that will improve the CSS department’s effectiveness in operationally supporting the franchisee system. Keeps up to date on industry practices.

    Teamwork and Collaboration

    • Strong comfort and ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships and effective/engaged cross-functional project teams, and to effectively solve problems with others. Has the courage and skill to respectfully challenge others to reach the best solutions and decisions. Demonstrated ability to be a team leader, liaising effectively with colleagues in various departments, driving problems to resolution in an efficient yet collaborative manner.

    Communication

    • Skilled in leading complex multi-stakeholder meetings, including virtual meetings.
    • Strong communication skills with the ability to create presentation and effectively and convincingly articulate to a variety of audiences including senior corporate leadership and franchisee leadership teams.
    • Communications information and/or decisions to all necessary parties in a timely manner so they can make accurate decisions and do their jobs.
    • Skillfully influences all levels of employees and management in a convincing and diplomatic manner.
    • Clear and understandable business writing skills.

    Additional Information

    All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  

    Benefits

    Benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, employer paid basic life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid sick and vacation, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, wellness challenges and more!

    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.

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