Director, Operations Innovation & Engineering

Our secret to leading the way in hospitality? We put our people first!

At Shake Shack, our mission is to Stand For Something Good in all that we do. From our teams to our neighborhoods, we're committed to always doing the right thing. As one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands, we're all about crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests. We offer endless learning opportunities and the chance to make a lasting impact on our business, restaurants, and communities. As a member of the #ShackFam, you’ll have access to hands-on mentorship, training, and growth potential, all in a fun and inclusive environment.

Join us and Be a Part of Something Good.

Job Summary

The Director of Operations Innovation and Engineering leads next generation operations design and concept development, equipment engineering, and process improvement through innovation efforts. This role leads a team and provides expertise in innovation and implementation which result in operational improvements & efficiencies. The Operations Innovation and Engineering Team works with Restaurant Excellence, Field Operations, Construction & Design, Finance, Licensing and Technology to lead overall innovation initiatives.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

Consults with Operations Leadership on new kitchen lay-outs, overall restaurant design and ongoing innovation projects. Oversees the development of specification validation plans on new designs with cross-functional teams. Ensuring:

• Accuracy of Prototype Kitchen Layout (s)
• Coordination of equipment changes and designs
• Specific custom equipment design & engineering
• Development of engineering standards and oversight of equipment specification compliance
• Compiling Ops Feedback on enhancements and improvements to kitchen design
• Continuous value engineering via new designs, engineering, equipment specifications and vendor suggestions to optimize equipment cost
• Oversight of drawing documentation, written specifications, and safeguarding of proprietary concepts & designs.

Provides subject matter expertise and leadership on the Company’s long-term vision and concepts

• Establishes and compares industry models to validate overall feasibility
• Conceptualizes & develops non-traditional sites through consultation, space planning, and equipment design
• Conceptualizes & Develops design propositions around Product Development/ Culinary and Company Operations for new product offerings that may affect facilities, equipment, and/or daily operations. Including but not limited to, market tests, system-wide rollouts, and general equipment improvements based on recommendations from Operations feedback

Leads all design and equipment innovation projects

• Successfully transitions test initiatives to broader Restaurant Excellence team for training and implementation
• Support equipment needs to deliver LTO innovation
• Collaborate cross-functionally on Innovation roadmap
• Support Operating Committee initiatives
• Identify and develop opportunities for continuous fulfilment improvement in all format types
• Synthesize kitchen data studies to develop aligned performance benchmarks
• Deliver concise, compelling, data driven business recommendations to the Operating Committee and Development Team

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrates strong project management skills
• Ability to provide recommendations to all levels of leadership
• Experience managing multiple fast paced projects at a time
• Expert in auto-cad and other design software
• Expert level in time materials costing related to manufacturing
• Expert level in space planning, restaurant design, equipment design and restaurant operations
• Demonstrates effectiveness in identifying and improving operating efficiencies

Requirements - Education, Experience, Physical, and Competencies

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Education or Certificate Details

Manufacturing design experience preferred

Work Experience

Minimum 10 years

Supervisory Experience

7-9 years

Related Experience

Restaurant design and kitchen space planning

Equipment dealer background

Developing engineering teams

Competencies

Knowing the Business

Effective Communication

Driving & Delivering Results

Strategic Thinking

Managing Work + Continuous Improvement

Assessing and Growing Talent

Benefits at Shake Shack:

A work environment where you can come as you are, share your ideas, have fun, and work collaboratively:

• Weekly Pay and Performance bonuses

• Shake Shack Meal Discounts

• Exclusive corporate discounts for travel, electronics, wellness, leisure activities and more

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*

• Employer Paid Life and Disability Insurance*

• 401k Plan with Company Match*

• Paid Time Off*

• Paid Parental Leave*

• Access to Employee Assistance Program on Day 1

• Pre-Tax Commuter and Parking Benefits

• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts*

• Development and Growth Opportunities

*Eligibility criteria applies

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About Us

Beginning as a hot dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park, Shake Shack was created by Danny Meyer, Founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and best-selling author of Setting the Table. Shack Fans lined up daily, making the cart a resounding success, and donating all proceeds back to the park beautification efforts.  A permanent stand was eventually built…and the rest is Shack history! With our roots in fine dining and giving back to the community, we are committed to high quality food served with a high level of hospitality. Our team members enjoy a positive work environment that is deeply committed to the philosophy that we "Stand for Something Good."

Shake Shack is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental and physical), sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital, military and veteran status.