Manager, Design & Engineering Innovation

IRB USA Inspire Resources; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

IRB USA Inspire Resources in Atlanta, GA seeks a Manager to support food service equipment integration and operational space planning. You will lead projects, ensuring compliance with standards and collaborating across teams to enhance kitchen innovation.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, over 5 years of relevant industry experience, and expertise in CAD modeling. It offers a dynamic environment with significant responsibilities in design and project management.

Qualifications

• 5-plus years of experience in QSR or Fast Casual Brand focus.
• Expertise in restaurant operations and design equipment manufacturing.
• Proficiency in restaurant plans and kitchen adaptations.

Responsibilities

• Leads and collaborates on multiple projects from inception to implementation.
• Develops engineering standards and oversees equipment compliance.
• Communicates plans effectively to internal partners.

Skills

2D CAD modeling (AutoCAD)

Graphic illustration and communication

Space planning

Education

4-year degree in Engineering or related Design/Architecture field

Tools

Computer software for communication and project management

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 and 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 for 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

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 experience.

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

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