Manager, Design & Engineering Innovation

Inspire; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspire, headquartered in Atlanta, seeks a Manager who guides food service equipment integration, space planning, and kitchen innovation across the corporate portfolio. You will lead projects, supervise staff, and ensure designs meet brand standards and operational goals.

The role requires 4-year engineering or design degree, 5+ years in QSR or hospitality design, strong CAD skills (AutoCAD, Revit), and proven ability to coordinate with internal teams and external partners to deliver scalable

Qualifications

• Proficiency 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineering leadership for new format concepts and layouts.
• Leads and collaborates on multiple projects from inception through testing and implementation.
• Oversees work from Analysts and Contractors with budget tracking and KPI analysis.
• Communicates plans effectively to internal partners and franchise network.
• Coordinates and documents work from internal teams and external consultants.
• Provides direction and supervision for in-field prototype testing and validation.

Skills

Restaurant plans interpretation

Graphic illustration

2D CAD modeling AutoCAD

Spec development 3D/Revit

Project management

Space planning

Industry regulations

Data analytics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related Design / Architecture field

4 year Degree in Engineering or related Design / Architecture field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• Design and Engineering
  • Establishes new format concepts and operational layouts
  • Creates and maintains custom fabrication detailing
  • Develops engineering standards and oversees equipment compliance
  • Develops standardized guideline documentation and written specifications to support proprietary designs
• Leadership, Project Management & Reporting
  • Objectively evaluates restaurant plans in accordance with standards
  • Leads and collaborates on multiple projects from inception through testing, validation and implementation
  • Oversees work from Analysts (internal) and Contractors (external)
  • Tracks budgets and analyzes key performance indicators
  • Provides holistic perspective on impact of innovation to operations
• Collaborates with Brand and Internal Operations Partners
  • Liaises with Operations Leadership on brand strategy
  • Builds strategic partnerships across the organization
• Collaborates with Architecture, Construction and Outside Consultants
  • Develops 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
• Collaborates with KES, Equipment Vendors and Supply Chain
  • Provides guidance custom fabrication and MEP engineering
  • Develops and sources supporting elements for equipment integration
• Communication & Presentation
  • Communicates plans effectively to internal partners and franchise network
  • Leads strategic meetings involving internal and external stakeholders
  • Coordinates and documents work from internal team
• On-site supervision and working with Construction and project GC
  • Coordinates and provides oversight for specific installations
  • Studies impact of prototype testing and procedures for validation
  • Serves as subject matter expert for in-field decision making

Education And Experience Qualifications

• 4 year Degree and/or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related Design / Architecture field
• 5 plus years of QSR or Fast Casual Brand related focus Restaurant or Hospitality Industry and/or Design Equipment Manufacturing

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficiency 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