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 an Executive Vice President Research & Development located at our corporate offices in Bloomington, MN.  The EVP of R&D provides the overall product development vision and strategic direction for the brand in conjunction with the brand and marketing leaders.  Provides leadership to drive and deliver against brand objectives relating to new and existing products.  Leads the product development strategic planning process to ensure projects are completed on time and meet company’s standards of quality.  Works cross-functionally across all departments to remove barriers, allocate resources and hit milestones necessary to execute on strategic initiatives resulting in organization growth and profitability.

In addition, this role provides oversight for the global Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory (FSQR) department to ensure that store operators of all IDQ subsidiaries have access to products that meet IDQ’s standards for quality, consistency and safety for both franchisees and consumers and to protect the overall brand. 

Key Accountabilities Include:

• Lead the short (annual) and long-term (3- 5 years) strategic planning process for the R&D function, providing direction and Executive leadership.  Participate in business planning with company executive management, bringing a current knowledge and future vision of Product Development and FSQR as related to IDQ’s franchisee system, consumer focus, and competitive position.
• 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 strategies and plans.  Present information, strategies, and concepts to cross functional leaders, franchisees and vendors in a manner that inspires to action and to achieve established corporate goals.   
• Oversee the product development strategies and processes to elevate the quality and consistency of core and innovative products and platforms.  Oversee the product standards to maintain a strong core product portfolio and innovative pipeline to support the development of products and to transfer technology, intellectual property and knowledge globally.
• Attract, critically evaluate and develop high-caliber senior management talent that matches the identified needs of the PD/FSQR departments.   Assign clear accountability and appropriate authority to the R&D leaders. This includes ensuring that the heads of each department understand expectations and have the appropriate level of support to build out and execute upon their function’s plans. Ensure the anticipation of business- related risks and the building of risk management plans. Address problems head-on and with transparency.
• Interpret competitors’ activities, industry and consumer trends and food technology advancements to conceptualize and develop products and platforms which enhance restaurant operating efficiencies and IDQ profitability.  Oversee technology development and product development processes that support strategically significant business opportunities and competitive advantage.  Leverage internal and external best practices to continuously improve the R&D function and speed to market.

Education/Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in food science, chemistry or related field and Master’s degree in related field are both required.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible R&D experience preferably with a QSR, Fast Casual or Food Service company.
• Minimum of 10+ years managing employees, including 8+ years of managing senior management-level leaders. Track record of managerial ability in building competent, high-performance teams, establishing clear expectations: monitoring progress and results on an ongoing basis; actively coaching managers and employees to develop their skills; fostering creative thinking; regularly providing feedback on strengths and when they are performing well; providing constructive feedback on areas to develop; creating focus on the right priorities; eliminating roadblocks.
• Ability to create a positive work environment for teams and departments.
• Strong track record of successful innovations, including those with global reach, large-scale and cross-functional teams.   
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects and requests simultaneously, within an intense, deadline-driven environment.

Skills:

• Creative thinker who can quickly develop innovative ideas.
• Ability to help others see potential in new ideas using strong conceptual and analytical skills that result in well-reasoned conclusions.
• Strong 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 articulate 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 effectively collaborate and team with other departments, such as Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain to prioritize projects, find solutions to challenges and complete projects on time.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to travel globally up to 25%.

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

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.