Sr. Manager - Design & Engineering Innovation

Job Summary

The Sr. Manager serves as the subject matter expert for kitchen systems, standards and operational modeling. The role takes a leadership position in the integration of equipment innovation into viable restaurant platforms and new building formats for all brands across the global organization. The Sr. Manager has supervisory responsibility over a manager or managers who demonstrate proficiencies in workstation customization, foodservice operational procedures, industry best practices and project leadership in support of emerging brand and corporate initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Supervision

• Objectively evaluates restaurant plans in accordance with standards
• Oversees work from managers (internal) and contractors (external)
• Provides holistic perspective on impact of innovation to design operations
• Liaises with Brand, International and Operations Leadership on strategy
• Builds strategic partnerships across the organization

Design and Engineering (Drafting)

• Develops and oversees new format concepts and operational models
• Implements and coordinates equipment specifications and compliance
• Develops standardized guideline documentation and written specifications to support proprietary designs

Project Management & Reporting

• Leads and collaborates on multiple projects from inception through installation, testing and validation
• Provides executive summaries demonstrating design advantages / KPI’s

Collaborates with A&D, Construction (internal) and Consultants (external)

• Leads development of 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

Communication & Presentation

• Communicates plans effectively to internal partners and franchise network
• Leads strategic meetings involving leadership, internal stakeholders and external partners
• Networks with external partners to monitor industry trends

Collaborates with KES, Equipment Vendors and Supply Chain

• Provides guidance on equipment specification and custom fabrication
• Develops and sources new equipment and supporting elements

On-site supervision and working with Construction and project GC

• Coordinates and provides oversight for specific ICR installations
• Studies impact of prototype testing and procedures for validation

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related Design / Architecture field
• Master’s degree
• Degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering / Industrial, Service or Interior Design with related work experience

EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION

Years Of Experience

• 5-12+ years QSR or Fast Casual Brand related focus
• 8-12+ years Restaurant or Hospitality Industry Design
• 2-5 years Industry Construction and Installation

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES

• Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Requires ability to take initiative and lead internal teams with external partnerships
• Excellence 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

Travel Required

• Less than 20%

 

Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 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.