Associate Manager

Job Summary The Associate Manager, Restaurant Experience – In-Shop Execution & Innovation supports the operational execution of Baskin-Robbins initiatives across in-shop experience, innovation to market, and product and equipment testing. This role helps translate cross-functional strategies into clear, scalable execution for franchisees and restaurant teams, ensuring new products, processes, and programs are practical, executable, and aligned with brand standards. This role partners closely with Restaurant Experience leadership and cross-functional teams to support testing, documentation, and launch readiness, and is designed to complement the Restaurant Experience Manager focused on POS and Digital Systems. Responsibilities In-Shop Execution Support Support execution of new products, processes, and operational initiatives in Baskin-Robbins shops. Identify operational gaps, risks, and complexity; elevate with actionable recommendations. Gather feedback and ensure operational learnings are incorporated into rollout plans and execution guidance. Innovation to Market & Testing Support the Innovation to Market (ITM) process from concept through operational handoff. Support testing and validation of new menu items, smallwares, equipment, and cake operations. Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure solutions align with operational guardrails and existing workflows. Assist in planning and executing lab testing, in-shop pilots, and operational validation for products, packaging, equipment, and process changes. Capture and document test learnings, including operational complexity, execution steps, speed, equipment needs, and training implications. Support development of clear recommendations (proceed, refine, or stop) based on operational feasibility. Documentation & Readiness Create and maintain job aids, test recaps, and operational guides to support execution. Support development of launch readiness materials to enable on time execution in shops. Ensure documentation reflects current brand standards and operational guardrails. Cross-Functional & Team Support Partner with Operations, Field Teams, Franchisees, Culinary, Category Management, Supply Chain, Training, Marketing, and other stakeholders. Support initiatives tied to Guest Experience, CMX, training content, and execution improvement. Coordinate with system and digital teams to ensure end-to-end restaurant readiness. Education and Experience Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent restaurant operations experience. 2–5 years of experience in restaurant operations, field support, training, testing, or operations services roles (recommended based on associate‑level scope). Experience in a franchise-based environment preferred. Ability and willingness to travel to support in‑shop testing and execution. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong operational mindset with a focus on execution and scalability. Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow‑through. Ability and willingness to travel to support in‑shop testing and execution. Clear written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work cross‑functionally with franchisees, field teams, vendors, and internal partners. Cake decorating skills are a plus, but not required. Ability to manage multiple initiatives and support consistent execution across the system. Salary: $77,532.75 - $129,221.25 per year The salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual placement within this range will vary based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, and location. Employees (and their families) may elect to be covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, and can enroll in our company’s 401K plan. Employees receive a PTO plan plus up to 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year and are eligible to participate in the company bonus program. #J-18808-Ljbffr