Design & Equipment Innovation Manager

Atlanta, GA, United States

Assist in the identification, evaluation, approval, and integration steps associated with the deployment of equipment systems that will positively impact restaurant operations both in technology upgrades and process flow improvements. Plan, lead, and coordinate all assigned initiatives associated with field deployment and testing of new equipment innovation. Conduct follow-up work in the restaurants targeted to uncover issues, refine processes, and surface new operations-based methods that may lead to improved time and motion and kitchen ergonomics. Support all Inspire Brands both corporate and franchise Operations teams in solving identified equipment opportunities. Is proactive in identifying and solving identified opportunities.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**

+ Follow the Inspire Brands approved testing process and procedures for equipment tests known as the ETAP.

+ Work with the Restaurant Ops Innovation leadership team, Equipment Director/s, peers, and vendor engineering teams to develop equipment systems that bring benefits to our operations as designated by the equipment screens integral to the testing protocol.

+ Provide design parameters to equipment vendors to ensure the application of innovative technology is specific to each brand.

+ Support specification effort on equipment package for all Inspire Brands. Support work involving Food Safety teams to ensure the equipment specified meets all regulatory and HACCP requirements, as well as to address any new or modified codes that have an impact on the currently specified equipment systems.

+ Field calls from Franchisees and Company Ops leaders on equipment issues and suggestions and see to the prompt resolution of any associated problems.

+ Contact and involve equipment suppliers or other relevant internal departments as needed to problem-solve equipment issues.

+ Support internal groups including Product Development, Product Integration, Finance, Marketing, and Operations on any related projects.

+ Work with Inspire Supply chain and ARCOP Arbys supply chain providing the best programs and prices for our brands.

+ Assist in preparing Executive Summaries and Scope of Work documents on important equipment development programs.

+ Support presentations as required to senior management, Ops council, or other such approved councils as well as franchisee and Corp conferences.

+ Interact with Vendors, Franchisees, and Company Ops leaders to ensure that the equipment testing protocol is followed, flows expeditiously, and does not bog down due to miscommunication or lack of follow-up attributable to you.

+ Follow up on newly introduced technology to ensure performance and associated services are meeting expectations.

+ Stay abreast of the latest industry intelligence and innovation through the study and ongoing relationships with vendors, competitors, equipment groups, trade shows, and industry publications on technology that may have strategic competitive advantage implications.

+ Develop and deliver training presentations on new product and equipment systems on an as-needed basis.

+ Communicate with co-workers, management, franchisees, and others in a courteous and professional manner.

+ Conform to Inspire Brands, Inc. Business Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program and company regulations, policies, work procedures, and instructions.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS**

+ 4-year Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering preferred.

+ 2-5 years of experience in one or more segments of QSR, Fast Casual, or Full Serve chain-related activity.

+ 5-10 years of experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry

+ Equipment Manufacturing is highly preferred.

**REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, or ABILITIES**

+ Requires extensive written and verbal communication skills.

+ Requires proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Revit, or AutoCAD.

+ Requires strong project management skills.

+ Requires taking initiative and leading teams and projects to completion.

+ Must have equipment performance and financial analysis capabilities.

+ Requires decision-making and negotiation skills.

+ Requires ability to effectively collaborate and work with cross-functional teams.

+ Proficient interpreter of plans & written specifications.

+ Proficient interpreter of graphics and illustrative applications.

+ Proficient level in time and materials costing related to manufacturing.

+ Proficient in space planning, restaurant design, equipment design & restaurant operations.

+ A high degree of knowledge of industry-related regulatory agencies.

+ Ability to travel up to 20%.

_Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arbys, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin, Jimmy Johns, and SONIC restaurants worldwide._

_Were made up of some of the worlds most iconic restaurant brands, but were much more than just a restaurant company. Were 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 stapleits an experience. At Inspire, thats our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences._

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