Church's Texas Chicken · 1 day ago
International Culinary Manager
Church’s Texas Chicken is one of the world’s largest quick-service chicken brands, operating over 1,400 restaurants globally. The International Culinary Manager is responsible for leading test kitchen operations and plays a vital role in global menu innovation by collaborating with various departments to develop and maintain menu items that align with brand standards.
Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end product development using a stage-gate process (ideation through launch)
Drive innovation for new menu items and Limited Time Offers (LTOs)
Identify emerging culinary and flavor trends and translate them into brand-relevant products
Partner with internal teams and franchisees on annual marketing calendars and launches
Conduct ideation sessions, tastings, consumer tests, and Central Location Tests
Differentiate menu offerings to drive traffic, trial, revenue, and profitability
Maintain country-by-country LTO and menu tracking
Manage international menu, ingredient, and LTO approval processes
Coordinate with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and QA teams
Communicate requirements for ingredients, specifications, and production
Ensure global menu and product databases remain accurate and current
Serve as culinary subject matter expert for food styling, photography, and key visuals
Partner with marketing teams and creative agencies on menu and campaign assets
Lead product builds and photo shoots for global launches and menu updates
Present culinary concepts, tastings, and menu innovations to stakeholders and franchisees
Protect and evolve global culinary standards across taste, quality, cost, and operations
Evaluate ingredients, formulations, preparation methods, and operational efficiencies
Ensure compliance with international food safety, regulatory, and cultural requirements
Collaborate closely with Supply Chain and QA to maintain brand integrity worldwide
Qualification
Required
Culinary degree or related field
6+ years combined experience in culinary operations and menu/new product development
Minimum 3 years back-of-house restaurant experience (Sous Chef or above preferred)
Strong experience managing stage-gate product development in QSR/FSR
Deep knowledge of global flavor trends, food systems, and ingredient functionality
Strong project management, vendor management, and communication skills
Knowledge of international food safety, nutrition, and regulatory standards (Halal, GMO, etc.)
Ability to travel internationally 10–20%
Company
Church's Texas Chicken
Founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 1952, Church's Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken® is a globally recognized brand in the Quick Service Restaurant industry and one of the largest quick service chicken concepts around the world.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2021-08-02Acquired
Recent News
2025-12-24
2025-11-24
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