Milesa Chu
Toronto,ON
Summary
- Dynamic Menu Innovation Manager with a proven track record at McDonald's Canada, adept in strategic planning and complex problem-solving.
- Spearheaded over 40 successful product launches, achieving significant sales increases and market share growth (e.g. Ghost Pepper McChicken #Spiceface)
- Excelled in cross-functional collaboration and leadership, mentoring teams to enhance productivity and innovation.
- Skilled in project planning and self-motivation, consistently delivering results beyond expectations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Menu Innovation Manager
McDonald's Restaurants of Canada
04.2023 - Current
- Led development in new plant-based opportunities and collaborated with cross-functional teams towards best restaurant execution (Alternative Diary for Coffee Category, Veggie).
- Launched new platforms with expedited timelines, resulted in increased sales performance and won back shares from competition (McWraps +8 pt market share, Throwback Meal 3 McNugget Dips +28% category lift, Stand Alone McCafe Montreal Airport launch 6 new sandwiches).
- Influenced future menu strategies through deep diving into consumer landscape to identify gaps and proposing potential menu item options (Bakery, McDonald's in Walmart).
- Drove change management initiatives by cultivating partnerships with internal stakeholders to streamline communication and workflows.
- Motivated direct report to grow by coaching and providing feedback to improve gaps, build on strengths and learn new skills.
Menu Development Consultant
McDonald's Restaurants of Canada
05.2013 - 04.2023
- Launched 30+ new menu items with high consumer scores and strong repeat purchase (McCafe Bagels, McTasters, Spicy McChickens, Mighty Angus, Seriously Chicken, World Taste Tour, Spicy McNuggets).
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to work through complex workflows, leading to successful program launches.
- Drove innovation by leading suppliers to develop new ingredients with trending flavours and commercialized within tight timelines.
- Recipient of 2018 Top Performer Golden Maple Leaf Award.
Food Product Developer
Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
05.2011 - 05.2013
- Launched 10+ poultry products under the Schneider's Country Naturals brand, Private Labels and for major QSR chains.
- Delivered successful product launches by working closely with cross-functional teams from concept to completion.
- Mentored junior team members to enhance their technical skills and improve overall team productivity.
Product Development Technologist
Canada Bread Company Ltd.
05.2005 - 05.2011
- Launched 20+ new bakery products for major national Foodservice chains across 4 different bakeries.
- Developed a diverse portfolio of bakery products from bench top, plant scale up to final commercialization
- Accomplished major ingredient cost-saving initiatives across 6 bakeries in Canada and US.
- Recipient of Top Performer Award for the "Just Do It" category.
Education
B. Sc. Food Science Honours -
University of Guelph
Marketing Professional Certificate -
University of Western Ontario
Worldwide Hamburger Marketing University -
McDonald's Global
Culinary Arts Certificate -
George Brown College
Skills
- Bakery
- Desserts
- Poultry
- Plant Based
- Specialty Coffee
Technical Expertise:
Timeline
Menu Innovation Manager
McDonald's Restaurants of Canada
04.2023 - Current
Menu Development Consultant
McDonald's Restaurants of Canada
05.2013 - 04.2023
Food Product Developer
Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
05.2011 - 05.2013
Product Development Technologist
Canada Bread Company Ltd.
05.2005 - 05.2011
B. Sc. Food Science Honours -
University of Guelph
Marketing Professional Certificate -
University of Western Ontario
Worldwide Hamburger Marketing University -
McDonald's Global
Culinary Arts Certificate -
George Brown College
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