OPERATIONS INNOVATION SPECIALIST

at  Del Taco

Del Taco is seeking an Operations Innovation Specialist who will be responsible for managing cross-functional projects that maximize efficiency and throughput that drive the future growth of Del Taco, including liaising between project members, external vendors, and other stakeholders to deliver successful planning, executing, and managing of operations programs and initiatives to simplify and improve restaurant operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education - Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or related field or equivalent experience.
Experience - Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in restaurant operations and project management preferably with operational procedures in the restaurant industry and franchised organization.
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
Requires ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Working knowledge of restaurant operational systems and implementation.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, presentation skills, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to impact and influence stakeholders; ability to have productive conflict and communication at a high level to drive desired outcomes. Demonstrates partnership with other team members at all levels, especially in the restaurant.
Strong organizational skills, with ability to work independently, multi-task, and adapt to change in a complex, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environment.
Customer service oriented, with problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Excel).
Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior.
Physical Requirements - Ability to speak/hear clearly in person and on the telephone/or online communications (i.e., Teams). Ability to travel to restaurants and other locations approximately 35% - 55% of time as business needs require. Ability to operate a computer keyboard.

Provides project management support for multiple strategic operational initiatives from initial concept to national launch and implementation. Leverages a design-thinking methodology focused on restaurant level improvements, that includes problem identification/opportunities, process evaluation, and improvement of existing systems. Ensures objectives are met on time and on budget.
Acts as a liaison between cross-functional teams, including IT, Field Operations, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Finance, and Training. Collaborates on and impacts projects that touch various departments.
Maintains restaurant-level perspective for company and franchise units to minimize the complexity of operational procedures and enable successful change management in 600+ restaurants. Partners with leadership to use field insights to challenge current processes and methods and make recommendations for improvement.
Tracks and facilitates actions and deliverables for assigned projects and closely manages target dates to ensure consistent attainment of project goals.
Develops and oversees the execution of policies and procedures for project phases, including advising on appropriate training materials for team members, reviewing next steps and timelines, follow-through, providing timely direction for areas of opportunity, putting action plans for improvement in place and meeting department expectations.
Acts as a conduit between the Field employees and Restaurant Support Center teams to gather feedback on the effect of necessary changes to simplify the Standard Operating System and drive engagement at every level in the restaurant.
Travels to test markets to collect information and provide feedback to restaurants. Works to understand whether each project is being executed as designed. Proactively works with restaurant employees and management to overcome potential obstacles of new processes.
Ensures awareness and attention to potential risks associated with assigned initiatives. Identifies and communicates key risks; plans ahead to develop solutions that mitigate the risk.
Participates in the communication plan for process updates and implementations. Provides subject matter expertise for communication content to support the clear and successful execution of process modification or changes.
Performs other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required, assigned and directed.