Manager, Machine Learning

Job Description

We are hiring a Manager, Machine Learning (MLE) to lead the development and operationalization of machine learning systems powering the Taco Bell Voice AI experience. This role is central to ensuring performance, scalability, and reliability across real-time models that support speech, natural language understanding, and agent behavior.

You will manage a team of MLEs and partner with AI Engineers, QA, and DevOps to deliver high-quality agent performance with a strong focus on latency, integration with restaurant systems (e.g., HME, POS), and production excellence.

Key Responsibilities :

• ML System Design & Architecture :

Lead the design of end-to-end ML pipelines for speech, ASR, and NLU modules.

Collaborate with engineering to integrate ML components with external systems (HME, menu boards, POS).

Mentor and guide a team of MLEs and junior ML engineers.

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Location & Travel :

Salary Range : $134,500 to $158,300 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.

About Us

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 59,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company's concepts - KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. The Company's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-style food, and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger & Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, Yum! was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, and the company was recognized among TIME Magazine's list of Best Companies for Future Leaders, Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies and USA Today's America's Climate Leaders. Yum! also received widespread recognition in 2023, including being listed on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers for Diversity. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands were ranked in the top five of Entrepreneur's Top Global Franchises Ranking for 2023.