Director, Equipment Innovation & Automation at Inspire Brands in Atlanta, Georgia

Job Description:

Directs the identification, evaluation, and design of new equipment automation for Inspire Brands. Identifies existing equipment issues and new opportunities to lower labor cost, improve thruput and Ops efficiency, improves quality, cleanliness, and other key metrics. Leads initiatives associated with field deployment and testing of new equipment technologies. Leads and directs the in-restaurants follow up work targeted to uncover issues, refine processes, and surface new operations-based methods that may lead to improved time and motion and kitchen ergonomics. Directs the support for company and franchise operations teams in solving identified equipment opportunities especially around labor challenges. Leads and directs the work of others. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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  Assessing existing/future product portfolio and current assets to determine appropriate fit and gap analysis. Identifies suitable technologies and suppliers to meet user requirements, support new product launches, meets the needs of new products. Develops test protocols, directs, and conducts field visits to restaurants to ensure equipment tests are properly launched and that the associated evaluation of equipment/service performance takes place on a timely and effective basis. Ensures that field visits, observations, and results are recorded via written reports.

  
  


• Establishes partnerships with key Vendors, Franchisees and Company Operations leaders. Leads vendor engineering teams to develop equipment systems that bring benefits to our operations as designated by the equipment screens integral to the testing protocol. Provides design parameters to equipment vendors to ensure application of new technology is brand specific.


• Leads the specification on the equipment package for Inspire Brands, collaborates with the Food Safety teams to assure the equipment specified meets all regulatory and HACCP requirements, as well as to address any new or modified codes that have impact on the currently specified equipment systems.


• Provides expert technical support for major supply or quality issues. Creates and directs the process to field calls from Franchisees and Company Ops leaders on equipment issues and equipment suggestions. Ensures prompt resolution of any associated problems. Contacts and involves equipment suppliers or other relevant internal departments as needed to problem-solve equipment issues.


• Partners with and supports internal groups including Product Development, Product Integration, Finance, Marketing and Operations (as well as ARCOP) on any related projects. Communicate proactively with stakeholders, senior leaders regarding activities, progress, issues, and resolution plans related to equipment initiatives. Works effectively with Inspire Supply, Dunkin Supply (NDCP) and Arby's Supply Chain's (ARCOP) to bring the best programs and pricing to the brands.


• Develops Executive Summaries and Scope of Work documents on important equipment development programs. Present as required to senior management, Ops council, other approved councils.


• Consult with Operations, Development and Supply Chains to assure the upkeep and accuracy of the equipment schedule as it pertains to the facility floor plan. Directs the process to keep the equipment package current with all new approvals and discontinuances of equipment therein.


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


• Stay abreast of the latest industry intelligence and innovation by 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, leadership, franchisees, and others in a courteous and professional manner.


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

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• 4 year Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering


• 5 to 10 years of experience in One or more segments QSR, Fast Casual or Full Serve chain related activity


• 5 years of experience in Restaurant / Hospitality industry

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES

• Requires extensive written and verbal communication skills


• Requires proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point, 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 lead teams, effectively collaborate and work with cross-functional teams


• Requires ability to hire industry talented individuals


• Requires performance management skills and individual lead recognition


• Requires the ability to higher and develop high performing 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


• High degree of knowledge of industry related regulatory agencies

Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes nearly 32,000 Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, Rusty Taco and SONIC Drive-In 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.