QSR Research & Development Manager

We are seeking an accomplished Project Manager with a proven R&D pedigree to champion groundbreaking innovation and targeted operational improvement initiatives for our Sun Prairie, WI location. As our brand grows—expanding its fast-casual presence by 25% in just two years—we rely on leaders who rigorously engineer and optimize processes with quantifiable impact. This role is tailored for candidates fluent in research methodology, KPI deployment, and analytical benchmarking. It drives business-critical projects that accelerate service speed, improve product excellence, and produce measurable unit profitability across our QSR network.

This position offers high-impact R&D professionals the opportunity to architect and implement innovative systems grounded in rigorous KPIs and analytics. You will design research frameworks, set quantifiable benchmarks, and drive projects that deliver immediate operational gains and sustained process improvements.

The Opportunity

You will spearhead innovation initiatives from concept inception through rigorous field testing and enterprise-wide rollout, consistently anchoring each phase in structured R&D methodology. Success in this role is measured by your ability to build and refine formal R&D processes—establishing metrics-driven timelines, actionable milestones, and robust KPI frameworks that drive accountability. Leveraging in-depth market research and competitive analysis, you will develop, deploy, and iterate operational solutions, using clearly defined KPIs and benchmarking to validate outcomes and optimize efficiency, guest experience, and profitability based on direct field feedback.

Core Responsibilities

• Process Engineering & KPI Deployment: Lead and architect R&D-driven projects that accelerate speed of service, boost accuracy, and elevate guest satisfaction—all anchored in measurable KPIs. Implement innovative process improvements and conduct post-initiative analysis to validate results against established performance metrics.
• Cross-Functional R&D Collaboration: Direct cross-departmental innovation by integrating rigorous research methodology, KPI design, and analytical benchmarking with Operations, Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, Risk, and Analytics. Ensure every operational rollout is quantifiable measured and refined.
• Change Management with Quantitative Impact: Oversee system updates and project launches across franchisees and teams, using data-driven KPIs to monitor adoption rates and operational outcomes. Facilitate continuous feedback loops for rapid R&D iteration and measurable performance uplift.
• Training & Implementation Excellence: Develop comprehensive training assets—manuals, video modules, live webinars, and on-site programming—rooted in best-in-class R&D learning models. Track training effectiveness and workplace adoption with robust learning KPIs.
• Leadership, Mentorship & Results Presentation: Present project outcomes and KPI dashboards to executive leadership, making data-backed recommendations. Mentor innovation team members in advanced R&D principles and success metrics, cultivating an internal pipeline of analytical leaders.

Professional Requirements

• 5+ years of direct experience in R&D, innovation, or operational improvement within the food industry, specifically focusing on QSR or fast-casual environments.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable operational or product improvements.
• Advanced communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Expertise in managing multiple concurrent initiatives while maintaining strict project timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planner, and OneNote.

What We Offer

We value the expertise you bring to our operational infrastructure. We provide our corporate leaders with:

• Highly competitive base compensation with strong performance-based bonus potential.
• Flexible work hours and a comprehensive hybrid work model.
• Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance packages.
• Clear pathways for career advancement within our expanding innovation department.
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Apply today to lead transformative projects in Sun Prairie, WI. Send your resume directly to laraine@geckohospitality.com to begin the conversation.