Specialist, Operations Innovation

Definition

The Operations Innovation Specialist will support the Operations Innovation team with projects that affect Zaxby’s operational platform, including but not limited to standard operating procedures, new menu items, POS system updates, equipment/smallwares. This role is responsible for working with both internal Zaxby’s teams and external vendors to coordinate projects that will support restaurant operations by targeting inefficiencies. The primary focus of this position is to assist with the process to identify, evaluate, and implement improvements.

Essential Job Functions

• Support research into operational improvements for effects on speed, labor, and other KPIs
• Affiliate with implementation of operational improvements into Innovation Center for evaluation
• Affiliate with Operations Innovation Team with the creation of standard operating procedures
• Evaluate multiple procedural options to determine final procedure(s), prioritizing efficiency and quality
• Work with Learning & Development on training materials for finalized procedures
• Affiliate with other Support Center teams to ensure any operational updates meet standards for food safety and product quality
• Affiliate with Procurement team to source and evaluate smallwares as needed for new menu items and/or improvements to the operational platform
• Solicit feedback from the field on initiatives requiring in-restaurant evaluation
• Conduct on-site restaurant visits as needed to evaluate initiatives and solicit feedback
• Compile conclusion of research findings, including any operational definitions and procedures
• Affiliate with hand-offs to Testing & Implementation and Operations Systems teams as needed upon completion of work on assigned initiatives, ensuring full transfer of knowledge and methodology
• Support small-batch testing prior to general release of all updates to the POS system (PAR Brink and QSR), Zaxby’s app, and third-party delivery platforms
• Affiliate with Operations Systems team to verify Crunchtime functionality, as needed
• Document review findings and share with IT teammates
• Re-test any identified issues upon reported resolution
• Inform Operations Innovation Manager of findings to help proceed at each phase
• Support the regular auditing of Zaxby’s Operational Platform for efficiency opportunities
• Affiliate with product yields (usable portions and potential waste) for new SKUs that will be implemented into restaurants, both for testing and system implementation
• Affiliate with collection of information needed to draft business cases for operations initiatives
• Affiliate with Support Center teams with regular audits of the smallwares/equipment packages; testing of sourced equipment improvements; and as needed in training Field Operations on initiative implementations
• Affiliate in the regular operation and maintenance of the Innovation Center
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Zaxby’s existing operational standards and procedures

Key Competencies

• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
• Knowledge of restaurant operations
• Knowledge of research methodologies
• Familiar with POS system operation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Works well under pressure
• Ability to present ideas effectively, work independently, and multi-task
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, vendors, and other staff at all levels

Education and Experience Guidelines

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field; OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in managing projects or conducting research; prior experience in the restaurant industry is not essential but advantageous

Salary Range

$63,000 - $74,000