Its fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing. At Dutch Bros Coffee, we are more than just a coffee company. We are a fun-loving, mind-blowing company that makes a difference one cup at a time.

Position Overview:

The Process and Product Improvement R&D Manager is responsible for overseeing the research and development of all shop-level drink production equipment, product and associated tools to improve speed, quality and service. They will also handle vendor qualification and setup. They will ensure that all managed projects are conducted according to brand standards, equipment manufacturer and/or Dutch Bros specifications. Field Services (as a conduit to the field) is R&D’s primary customer and this position is expected to foster a strong, supportive, and responsive relationship with key leaders within that department.

Job Qualifications:

BA/BS in a related field, or 4 additional years of relevant experience, required
4+ years of technical knowledge in operational efficiency projects relating to equipment and/or products, required
1 additional year of project management experience, required
1 year of supervisory experience, preferred
Proven experience in 3rd party vendor management
Live near and work on-site at Phoenix Headquarters
Must be willing to travel up to 25% of the time

Location Requirement:

This role is located in the Greater Phoenix area. This position is required to be in office 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs); Fridays are optional remote work days.

Key Result Areas (KRAs):

Ensure R&D Equipment/Product/Process improvement projects are completed on time, on budget, and with strong service approach and communication to key stakeholders:

Create, coordinate, and manage all R&D product and equipment process improvement projects and expenses, keeping key stakeholders apprised of status with corresponding documentation in a timely manner
Act as the liaison between R&D, our supplier, Facilities, Construction, Equipment, Legal, Finance, IT and Field Services, providing support and technical expertise to coordinate projects and resolve issues in a timely and cost-effective manner
Communicate proactively with all stakeholders and ensure they are fully informed of their role in supporting the work, how it might impact operations, and provide alternative solutions when necessary
Hold periodic equipment/product educational meetings with all key stakeholders

Manage planning annual equipment reviews, taking into account depreciation, warranty terms, store layout updates, and field feedback to achieve desired company objectives and Key Performance Indicators and metrics for equipment and vendors (KPIs):

Conduct Annual review of equipment by working with facilities, retail services, and parts & maintenance to determine what equipment needs to be reviewed for the next calendar year
Keep current with equipment trends and innovations through vendor education, conferences, and independent research
Qualify and develop new initiatives needed to support shop operations based on changing needs and KPIs
Create equipment summaries outlining objectives, relevance, current state, and problem/opportunity for each initiative

Support new and existing supplier management qualification and onboarding to support Dutch Bros’ key objectives:

Work collaboratively with suppliers and our legal team to execute contracts with vendors, ensuring there are protections for any proprietary equipment and/or information
Work with procurement to negotiate new equipment prices, service contracts, and warranty terms with vendors utilizing our legal department for support and guidance. Work with facilities to validate and qualify, service providers, to adjust support for shop operations based on changing needs and KPIs

Skills:

Beverage Product Development
Model Testing
Microsoft Office
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
Budgeting
Contracts
Equipment Warranties
Teamwork
Strong Written and Verbal Communication

Physical Requirements

In-Office Environment: Must be able to work in a busy, crowded, and loud office with frequent distractions and interruptions
- Must be able to collaborate in-person with occasional impromptu in-person meetings
Office Conditions: Adaptability to typical office conditions, which may include exposure to air conditioning, heating, artificial lighting, and varying noise levels
Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, reach, twist, stretch, and work at a desk for long stretches. Must be able to occasionally move or lift office items up to 25 pounds
Hearing Requirements: Hearing must be sufficient or correctable to ensure clear understanding of spoken information, including participating in virtual meetings and phone calls. Use of hearing aids or other assistive devices is acceptable if needed.
Reading and Writing Proficiency: Ability to read and write in English is essential for processing documents, drafting reports, and following up on necessary actions. Proficiency in written communication is required to handle job-related tasks effectively.
Vision Requirements: Vision must be adequate or correctable to perform essential job duties, such as reading documents on a computer screen and using other visual tools. Use of corrective lenses or other measures to meet visual requirements is expected if needed.
Technology Proficiency: Must be proficient in operating a computer and other office productivity tools such as printers, scanners, and collaboration software.
Effective Communication: Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members, clients, and other stakeholders via email, video conferencing, and other in office communication tools.

Compensation:

$107,655.14 - DOE

If you like wild growth and working in a unique and fun environment, surrounded by positive community, youll enjoy your career with us!