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
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.
Skills Required
- Four-year degree or bachelor's degree in engineering or a related design or architecture field
- 5+ years of experience focused on QSR or fast-casual restaurant brands, the restaurant or hospitality industry, and/or design equipment manufacturing
- Proficiency interpreting and developing restaurant plans and kitchen adaptations
- Proficiency in graphic illustration and detailed communication
- Expertise in 2D CAD modeling using AutoCAD
- Specification development experience
- Proficiency in space planning, restaurant design, kitchen equipment, and restaurant operations
- Knowledge of industry regulations and standards
- Ability to work in a team environment with limited supervision
- 3D modeling and Revit experience
- Knowledge of data analytics and assessment and validation methods
- Proficiency in costing techniques and materials costing related to prototyping and manufacturing
Inspire Brands Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Inspire Brands and has not been reviewed or approved by Inspire Brands.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive health coverage, mental health support, disability insurance, and related programs are emphasized for support‑center and eligible management roles. Materials also reference options like HSAs and EAPs as part of a broad healthcare offering.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited PTO is highlighted for support‑center roles alongside paid leaves such as parental and adoption assistance. Feedback suggests these time‑off elements are a core part of the corporate employee value proposition.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employee food discounts, on‑site amenities (e.g., gym, snacks, and similar perks), and lifestyle programs add tangible day‑to‑day value. Additional benefits like commuter options, financial wellness tools, and pet insurance further broaden the package.
Inspire Brands Insights
What We Do
Inspire Brands was founded in February 2018 with a vision to invigorate great brands and supercharge their long-term growth. In an industry facing increasing disruption, our leaders saw an opportunity to build a restaurant company unlike any other – one that brings together differentiated yet complementary brands and aims to make them stronger than they would be on their own. Found inherently in the purposes of our family of brands, we identified a common thread between our restaurants – the capacity to inspire. From guest experience to career development to community well-being, Inspire plays a role in the lives of millions of people every day.
