Manager, Design & Engineering Innovation

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.ResponsibilitiesDesign and Engineering Establishes new format concepts and operational layoutsCreates and maintains custom fabrication detailingDevelops engineering standards and oversees equipment complianceDevelops standardized guideline documentation and written specifications to support proprietary designsLeadership, Project Management & Reporting Objectively evaluates restaurant plans in accordance with standardsLeads and collaborates on multiple projects from inception through testing, validation and implementationOversees work from Analysts (internal) and Contractors (external)Tracks budgets and analyzes key performance indicatorsProvides holistic perspective on impact of innovation to operationsCollaborates with Brand and Internal Operations Partners Liaises with Operations Leadership on brand strategyBuilds strategic partnerships across the organizationCollaborates with Architecture, Construction and Outside Consultants Develops standardized guideline documentation and written specifications to support proprietary designsOversees non-standard kitchen design for standards complianceProvides direction and supervision for full-scale simulationsCollaborates with KES, Equipment Vendors and Supply Chain Provides guidance custom fabrication and MEP engineeringDevelops and sources supporting elements for equipment integrationCommunication & Presentation Communicates plans effectively to internal partners and franchise networkLeads strategic meetings involving internal and external stakeholdersCoordinates and documents work from internal teamOn-site supervision and working with Construction and project GC Coordinates and provides oversight for specific installationsStudies impact of prototype testing and procedures for validationServes as subject matter expert for in-field decision makingEducation and Experience Qualifications4 year Degree and/or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related Design / Architecture field5 plus years of QSR or Fast Casual Brand related focus Restaurant or Hospitality Industry and/or Design Equipment ManufacturingKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesProficiency in interpretation and development of restaurant plans and kitchen adaptationsProficiency in graphic illustration and detailed communicationExpertise in 2D CAD modeling (AutoCAD) and specification development (3D / Revit preferred)Expertise in computer software related to communication, organization and project managementProficiency in time, techniques and materials costing related to prototyping and manufacturingProficiency in space planning, restaurant design, kitchen equipment and restaurant operationsExpertise in industry regulations and standardsKnowledge of data analytics and methods of assessment and validationAbility to work in team environment with limited supervisionInspire 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.