Product Development Specialist, Retail Merchandise

Product Development Specialist, Retail Merchandise – Toronto, Canada Join us on our journey to achieve our big dream of building the most loved restaurant brands in the world. Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with nearly $45 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 32,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities. RBI is committed to growing the brands by leveraging their core values, employee and franchisee relationships, and community support. We are looking for a Product Development Specialist, Retail Merchandise in our Toronto office, who is excited to build new retail initiatives and innovations for both our restaurants and guests. Join us and help build the next generation of retail experiences for Canada’s most-loved brand What You’ll Do Analyze market trend, competitor activities, and guest feedback to identify new product opportunities in categories such as drinkware, seasonal, novelty, hard goods. Create and direct product designs including CADs, 3D renders and technical drawings; manage and approve detailed tech packs with material specifications, sketches, and measurements. Maintain product development calendars to deliver assortment strategies on time. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (category management, marketing, legal, translations, store operations, quality assurance). Manage relationships with vendors to develop, track, review, and approve projects through the entire product development lifecycle including sample approvals. Act as subject matter expert (SME) for hard goods products, track performance after launch, and provide feedback for future improvement. Develop packaging specifications and ensure brand guidelines are met from creative and technical aspects. Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform product strategy and positioning. Perform cost analysis and assist in evaluating product profitability. Oversee sample management duties, including tracking, storage, and preparation for presentations. Advocate for the customer by placing them at the forefront of design and decision-making. Identify areas for continuous improvement by diagnosing issues and working to resolve them. What You’ll Bring University or college degree or commensurate experience; industrial design preferred. Strong technical aptitude and deep hard goods product knowledge. Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a product development role, preferably in drinkware or homewares. Proficiency in design software (Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator required; 3D rendering and CAD software as needed). Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills with demonstrated follow‑up capabilities. Ability to work collaboratively in cross‑functional teams and manage multiple projects. Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Proficient knowledge of technical specifications for product. Sharp eye for detail, design, and style. Highly detail‑ and process‑oriented. Strong analytical abilities and creative problem‑solving. Proactive and solution‑oriented approach with a positive attitude. Strong time‑management skills. Strong understanding of market trends and product opportunities. Benefits Pension matching. Health benefits (medical, dental). Short‑ and long‑term disability. Comprehensive global paid parental leave. Telehealth. Employee Assistance Program. Discounted gym memberships. Other wellness initiatives including mental and financial wellness. Equal Opportunity Employer Restaurant Brands International and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr