Sr. Associate Manager, Profit Optimization

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 8,200+ 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:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Finance Professional to join our International Finance Team, focusing on delivery and labor optimization. This role is crucial in driving financial efficiency and maximizing resource utilization across our operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in finance, data analysis, and operational strategy. They will have a crucial role within a fast-paced, dynamic team that collaborates with our international business to enhance profitable sales and drive global growth for Taco Bell. With this role, the opportunities are endless and will play a key role in business model improvement across four different global business units. This role will report to the Manager, International Finance and Development.

This position is strictly based in Irvine, CA.

The Day-to-Day:

• Apply expertise in labor and food cost management, P&L analysis, reporting, and analytics to enhance operational efficiency and profitability in a dynamic environment.\
• Oversee the restaurant-level labor control system, including efficient scheduling and overtime oversight. Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, Human Resources, Training, and Legal to ensure compliance and alignment with labor policies.
• Assess, select, and implement labor scheduling systems, driving continuous improvement in labor management methodologies.
• Analyze the current state of delivery channel performance, including revenue, cost drivers, pricing models, promotions, and partner economics.
• Identify and implement initiatives to improve profitability, reduce costs, and optimize unit economics across delivery platforms (e.g., first-party and third-party).
• Develop financial models and business cases to support pricing changes, service innovations, or operational improvements
• Benchmark franchisee P&Ls within and across markets to identify margin improvement opportunities and assess franchisee’s financial health.
• Develop and deliver insightful reporting and analysis to Operations and cross-functional partners, promoting transparent communication and informed decision-making.

Is This You?

• BA required; analytical or business degree preferred
• MBA or Masters in quantitative discipline (e.g., Data Analytics) a plus
• Experience with Pricing Strategy/Revenue Management a plus (pricing models, measuring demand elasticity, etc.)
• 7+ years or equivalent experience supporting Finance, Marketing, or Analytics business units preferred
• Creative self-starter and strong technical contributor who is always looking for new opportunities to solve business problems with data-driven tools
• Strong internal motivation, intellectual curiosity, logical thinking, and proactive mindset
• Resourceful nature with an ability to build business cases through financial models, data, and relevant assumptions to drive action
• Proven experience using data to tell compelling stories (highly proficient in PowerPoint a plus)
• Experience in QSR or other competitive industries a plus

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 clas