Sr. Manager - Design & Engineering Innovation

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Atlanta Georgia

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.
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Job Details

Job Category

Operations Services

Date Posted

2025-03-28

Job ID

JR34812-Atlanta_Support

3 Inspire Brands employee discussing at a table

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