Who is Taco Bell?

Taco Bell was born and raised in California and has been around since 1962. We went from selling everyone’s favorite Crunchy Tacos on the West Coast to a global brand with 8,500+ restaurants, 350 franchise organizations, that serve 42+ million fans each week around the globe. We’re not only the largest Mexican-inspired quick service brand (QSR) in the world, we’re also part of the biggest restaurant group in the world: Yum! Brands.

Much of our fan love and authentic connection with our communities are rooted in being rebels with a cause. From ensuring we use high quality, sustainable ingredients to elevating restaurant technology in ways that hasn’t been done before… we will continue to be inclusive, bold, challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.

We’re a company that celebrates and advocates for different, has bold self-expression, strives for a better future, and brings the fun while we’re at it. We fuel our culture with real people who bring unique experiences. We inspire and enable our teams and the world to Live Más.

At Taco Bell, we’re Cultural Rebels. Want to join in on the passion-fueled fun? Learn more about the career below.

About the Job:

Reporting to the Vice President Product Innovation & Global Engineering, as the Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering, you will be responsible for managing multiple Taco Bell engineers while developing and leading all back of house equipment strategies, objectives, and annual operating plans of TB 8,000+ restaurants. This role is responsible for developing and leading all back of house Kitchen equipment, smallware’s and production line development. This includes close partnership with Operations, Asset Development, Product Development, Quality assurance, Supply Chain, suppliers and franchisees to ensure kitchen efficiency and designs which are ‘fit for use’. This role includes focus on quality, new technology, cost optimization, continuous improvement with the primary goal of improving the team members experience. In addition, this role leads supplier partnerships (innovation, crises, action plan, probation, continuous improvement), manages daily crises, and sets brand standards. This role and team work directly with operations, technology, supply chain and franchise on the day to day and future development.

While as a business Taco Bell is a restaurant company, we are driven through our relational culture – it’s all about people. In your role, you will interact with Suppliers, Restaurant Team Members, Restaurant General Managers, Franchisee Business Owners and Cross-functional partners (Marketing, Operations, Financial Strategists, Food Product Developers, Quality Assurance, Facilities Maintenance – and yes, lead and coach other Engineers). The number of people and the diversity of professionals who you will be teaming with is vast! You’ll have the opportunity to lead, influence, and project manage others. In summary, we’re not looking for heroes, but collaborators.

The Day-to-Day:

• Lead a team of engineers who design from idea to national launch, all initiatives regarding back of house kitchen equipment, smallware’s and production lines.
• Ensure all new and existing equipment” meets Brand and Regulatory specifications and performance including leading the test and approve process.
• Drive external partners on new innovation for the kitchen of the future and support Restaurant evolution programs.
• Proactively conduct “supplier business reviews” along with SCM to ensure feedback and mutual initiatives are implemented.
• Provide results-oriented technical support to field operators on equipment issues in existing restaurants.
• Ensure suppliers are capable of developing, manufacturing and commercializing key equipment with brand standard quality and performance, in conjunction with SCM.
• Utilize project management processes to scope, cost, and deliver against projects and priorities.
• Drive a “People First” culture by actively coaching, developing, & growing a world class engineering team.
• Build strong ties with peers in all YUM! global engineering teams leveraging resources that enable technical wins for the brand.
• Focus 75% time to US business and 25% to International Business Units

Is this you?

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering with at least 10+ years of experience.
• 5+ years experience coaching and leading multi discipline highly technical and creative teams.
• Experience in restaurant/retail operations, or engineering/mechanical, food processing or automation preferred.
• Excellent executive presence, interpersonal, and presentation skills with ability to form strong relationships with various levels of an organization while being able to influence and persuade.
• Self-motivated individual that can work “hands on” as well as having strong entrepreneurial spirit that adapts readily to change.
• Comfortable acting as an individual contributor and leading and collaborating with broader teams
• Ability to lead external vendors and cross brand partnerships to execute projects.
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize time in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Strong knowledge of continuous process improvement processes, methods, and programs
• Experience with data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, CAD, SOLIDWORKS)
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally 10-30% of the time
• Local travel around Orange County, CA is also common

Work-Hard, Play-Hard:

• Hybrid work schedule (onsite expectation Tues, Wed, Thurs) and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash,
• Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
• Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
• 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
• Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name

Salary Range: ­­**$157,100** to $180,000 annually + bonus eligibility + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

At Taco Bell, we Live Más and invite you to do the same. Take a seat at our table. Bring your voice. Bring you, just as you are, a Cultural Rebel. We want you to be your best self!

Taco Bell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Taco Bell is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.

• US Job Seekers/Employees
• To view the "Know Your Rights" poster, click here. You may also access Taco Bell’s Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

Employment eligibility to work with Taco Bell in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

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