The Zaxby's Support Center is looking for an Operations Innovation Specialist to join the Operations Services department. 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.
As we continue to grow, our strategies have set us up for success to be the top offering in Chicken Fingerz, Boneless Wings and Zalads. We'd love to have you as part of our team!
This position is based in Atlanta, GA and allows for a hybrid work schedule that includes 3 in-office days per week.
Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Company-paid Short and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Company-paid Basic Life and Critical Illness insurance
• 401K participation
• 50% off meal discount at company-owned locations
• Child Care Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance Program
• Parental Leave
• PTO and Company Holidays

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• 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
• Assist Operations Systems team to verify Crunchtime functionality, as needed
• Make contact with each location in Alpha and Beta test groups to solicit feedback and determine performance of updates
• Inform Operations Innovation Manager of findings to help proceed at each phase
• 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

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
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to multi-task
• 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
$60,000 - $70,000
Zaxby's Franchising LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment decisions based on any factor protected by federal, state or local law.