Manager, Design & Engineering Innovation

Inspire•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Manager supports all efforts related to food service equipment integration, operational space planning and kitchen innovation as applied to all brands in the corporate portfolio. Candidates serve as project lead while demonstrating proficiencies and expertise in workstation customization, foodservice operational procedures, industry best practices, capacity measurement, and design leadership to enhance emerging corporate initiatives. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants across nearly 60 global markets. In an industry facing increasing disruption, our leaders saw an opportunity to build a restaurant company unlike any other – one that brings together differentiated yet complementary brands and aims to make them stronger than they would be on their own. Found inherently in the purposes of our family of brands, we identified a common thread between our restaurants – the capacity to inspire. From guest experience to career development to community well-being, Inspire plays a role in the lives of millions of people every day. Our brands are diverse, distinctive, and fan favorites. In a sense, you could say we seek those who provide something different than the norm.

Requirements

4 year Degree and/or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related Design / Architecture field
5 plus years of QSR or Fast Casual Brand related focus
Restaurant or Hospitality Industry and/or Design Equipment Manufacturing
Proficiency in interpretation and development of restaurant plans and kitchen adaptations
Proficiency in graphic illustration and detailed communication
Expertise in 2D CAD modeling (AutoCAD) and specification development (3D / Revit preferred)
Expertise in computer software related to communication, organization and project management
Proficiency in time, techniques and materials costing related to prototyping and manufacturing
Proficiency in space planning, restaurant design, kitchen equipment and restaurant operations
Expertise in industry regulations and standards
Knowledge of data analytics and methods of assessment and validation
Ability to work in team environment with limited supervision

Nice To Haves

3D / Revit preferred

Responsibilities

Establishes new format concepts and operational layouts
Creates and maintains custom fabrication detailing
Develops engineering standards and oversees equipment compliance
Develops standardized guideline documentation and written specifications to support proprietary designs
Objectively evaluates restaurant plans in accordance with standards
Leads and collaborates on multiple projects from inception through testing, validation and implementation
Oversees work from Analysts (internal) and Contractors (external)
Tracks budgets and analyzes key performance indicators
Provides holistic perspective on impact of innovation to operations
Liaises with Operations Leadership on brand strategy
Builds strategic partnerships across the organization
Develops standardized guideline documentation and written specifications to support proprietary designs
Oversees non-standard kitchen design for standards compliance
Provides direction and supervision for full-scale simulations
Provides guidance custom fabrication and MEP engineering
Develops and sources supporting elements for equipment integration
Communicates plans effectively to internal partners and franchise network
Leads strategic meetings involving internal and external stakeholders
Coordinates and documents work from internal team
On-site supervision and working with Construction and project GC
Coordinates and provides oversight for specific installations
Studies impact of prototype testing and procedures for validation
Serves as subject matter expert for in-field decision making