New Product Development Specialist, Firehouse Subs, EMEA

Our opportunity: 

As a New Product Development Specialist at Firehouse Subs, you will be supporting the expansion of the brand in EMEA and Australia with commercialization and localization of ingredients, end-to-end introduction of new products (e.g., seasonal offers) and enhancement of existing recipes. 

The role involves extensive cooperation with internal stakeholders like procurement, Chefs, culinary team, legal, QA & suppliers. You will support the local implementation of Firehouse Subs’ global standards by closely collaborating with the EMEA Marketing Lead of the brand in Switzerland. 

You will play a key role in driving menu innovation and product development across EMEA markets, from concept to launch. 

This includes: 

• Commercialization and localization of ingredients  

• End-to-end development of new products (e.g. seasonal subs, limited time offers)  

• Continuous improvement of existing recipes (e.g. sauces, core menu items)  

You will act as a key connector between markets, suppliers, and internal teams, ensuring that all products meet Firehouse Subs’ quality and brand standards. 

In addition, you will collect and analyze marketing and consumer insights data and collect ideas, follow current food trends, identify innovation gaps within the brand, and translate them into new food items. 

RBI follows a 5 day, in-office work schedule to support collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable working onsite 5 days per week. 

Your roles & responsibilities: 

• Lead the development and launch of new and existing products across EMEA markets & Australia 

• Support concept and product testing to provide consumer insights and validate innovation ideas 

• Support product localization efforts to adapt global products to regional needs  

• Develop networks of partners and suppliers to support the localization process and bring new ideas for growth 

• Guide suppliers on product standards 

• Lead and coordinate the product approval process, Act as a guardian for product standards and manage the product approval process. 

• Analyze marketing and consumer data to support decision-making  

• Coordinate cross-functional alignment with internal partners (e.g., Operations, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance) and work with external suppliers to bring products to market or resolve issues with existing products. 

• Collaborate with franchise partners to successfully launch new products 

Your skills & experience:  

• 3+ years of experience in New Product Development/Food or beverage Innovation. Previous experience in QSR, FMCG, or food manufacturing industry is . 

• Degree in Food Marketing / Food Science / Food Engineering / Nutrition. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• You are a food lover - creating recipes, cooking, and eating is one of your passions in life. 

• You have a broad knowledge of current food trends & you follow food industry news. 

• You have advanced problem-solving skills and analytical capabilities in complex situations. 

• You can analyze marketing data and consumer behavior data. 

• You have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at higher levels internally and externally to impact significant business outcomes. 

• You are fluent in English 

• You are eligible to work in Switzerland without work permit sponsorship.