Associate Manager, Strategic Growth

KFC•Irvine, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This opportunity is designed for high-performing talent interested in driving profitable growth across Taco Bell’s business. By applying to this role, you are expressing interest in consideration for one of two Associate Manager positions — one within Finance (Financial Planning & Analysis) and one within Development (Strategic Development & Analysis). Through a shared interview process, candidates will be evaluated on core strategic competencies and ultimately aligned to the role that best matches their strengths, experience, and business needs. Both paths offer meaningful exposure to senior leadership, cross-functional partnership, and high-impact decision-making that shapes the future of the brand. We’re looking for strategic thinkers who are comfortable navigating ambiguity, connecting data to insights, and influencing outcomes across teams. If you’re energized by solving complex problems and contributing to enterprise-level growth, we’d love to meet you.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in Finance, Development, Strategy, Consulting, or a related field
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives from analysis through recommendation
Strong financial and/or analytical modeling skills with the ability to translate data into clear business insights
Experience preparing and delivering materials to senior leadership audiences
Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
Demonstrated ownership mindset with a track record of driving projects forward independently
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions

Responsibilities

Oversee key components of the P&L, including Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), Fixed Expenses, and Advertising Support monthly and quarterly close cycles, deliver variance analysis on key drivers, and contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and long-range financial planning
Conduct ad hoc financial modeling and scenario planning to support key business decisions
Collaborate with Finance, Development, Marketing, Strategy, and Supply Chain teams to identify opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements.
Partner cross-functionally to evaluate capital investments and growth initiatives
Lead bi-weekly cross-functional Development calls (A&D, Real Estate, Legal, Construction, SD&A, Ops), holding team accountable and helping drive equity strategy
Present new site projects to senior leadership, using data-driven insights to articulate business rationale and ensure strategic alignment
Analyze new unit performance and market trends to inform pipeline and asset strategy decisions
Own post-audit process, helping understand key drivers and refine assumptions around sales cannibalization
Partner with Finance to align on achievement of investment returns and mitigation of sales / profit cannibalization
Conduct ad hoc financial modeling and scenario planning to support key business decisions

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule 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