Specialist, Operations Innovation

Zaxby's - Atlanta, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

Atlanta, GA

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Operations Innovation Specialist at Zaxby's will play a crucial role in enhancing the operational platform of the company. This position involves supporting the Operations Innovation team with various projects aimed at improving efficiency in restaurant operations, including the development of standard operating procedures, updates to the POS system, and the introduction of new menu items. The specialist will collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to identify and implement operational improvements, ensuring that Zaxby's maintains its competitive edge in the fast-food industry.

Responsibilities

• Support research into operational improvements for effects on speed, labor, and other KPIs.
• Assist with implementation of operational improvements into Innovation Center for evaluation.
• Assist 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.
• Work with other Support Center teams to ensure any operational updates meet standards for food safety and product quality.
• Work with Procurement team to source and evaluate smallwares as needed for new menu items and/or improvements to the operational platform.
• Support solicitation of 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.
• Support 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 thorough, multi-phase lab reviews of all updates to the POS system (PAR Brink and QSR), Zaxby's app, and third-party delivery platforms.
• Create testing Use Cases to ensure the complete evaluation of all modification options.
• Assist 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 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.
• Assist Operations Innovation Manager in sourcing 5 Alpha test stores and 20 Beta test stores and providing to IT team for small-batch releases.
• Make contact with each location in Alpha and Beta test groups to solicit feedback and determine performance of updates.
• Review drafted system-wide communications as needed to keep the field and Support Center teams informed of any relevant operational updates, particularly regarding POS system updates.
• Support the regular auditing of Zaxby's Operational Platform for efficiency opportunities.
• Support product yields (usable portions and potential waste) for new SKUs that will be implemented into restaurants, both for testing and system implementation.
• Assist with collection of information needed to draft business cases for operations initiatives.
• Assist 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.
• Assist in the regular operation and maintenance of the Innovation Center.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Zaxby's existing operational standards and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of experience in managing projects or conducting research; prior experience in the restaurant industry is advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
• Knowledge of restaurant operations and research methodologies.
• Familiar with POS system operation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Ability to multi-task and collaborate with colleagues, vendors, and other staff at all levels.

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance