Enterprise Innovation Manager

The Enterprise Innovation, Manager is responsible for leading and managing critical innovation projects aimed at addressing business challenges by developing, testing, and implementing new operational solutions. This includes overseeing the piloting and deployment of technology initiatives, developing new operating models, and leading cross-functional teams in the testing and roll-out of brand-requested innovations. The role will partner with key stakeholders across all departments to manage end-to-end project execution, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in alignment with strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead cross-functional projects from initiation through completion, ensuring the delivery of new operational processes, systems, and tools.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to identify business needs, define project scope, objectives, and timelines, and ensure successful implementation.
• Evaluate current processes, identify inefficiencies, and propose innovative solutions to improve operational performance.
• Manage project teams across multiple departments, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to meet project goals.
• Develop and implement new operating models and standardized procedures for process improvements and system updates.
• Create detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and budgets. Monitor project progress and adjust plans as needed to stay on track.
• Conduct field assessments and evaluations to ensure new systems, processes, or equipment are functioning as expected.
• Present project updates and new procedures to senior management, teams, and external stakeholders through clear and concise reports and presentations.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation plans to address potential issues during the project lifecycle.
• Maintain project documentation, including scope, timelines, budgets, and deliverables, to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, assessing the effectiveness of current solutions and making necessary adjustments for optimal results.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to drive project success across departments.
• Management of project reporting and analytics to deliver against the value and progress of approved projects and workstreams

DIRECT REPORTS

• None

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Industrial Engineering, Innovation, Project Management, or a related field (required).
• 2 years of project management experience, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional projects (required).
• 2 years of experience in operations innovation or process improvement (preferred).
• 3 years of experience in multi-unit restaurant leadership or similar operational roles (preferred).

ABILITIES

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and coordinate resources across multiple teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to create clear, actionable project documentation and present to various stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically and translate business needs into actionable project plans.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges during the project lifecycle.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and achieving project objectives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Project, or equivalent project management software.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and generate insights that inform project decisions.
• Ability to manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively to ensure successful project delivery.

Travel Required

• Normal internal support center working environment.
• Approximately 20% travel.

 

Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide.

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.