Shop Systems & Continuous Improvement Specialist

It's 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 Shop Systems & Continuous Improvement Specialist supports the execution of product, process, and equipment testing within the company’s in-house test kitchen. This role supports the design, execution, and analysis of product, process, and equipment testing within the company’s in-house test kitchen and mock shop environments. The Specialist partners with the Manager of Shop Systems and Continuous Improvement to evaluate operational innovations, interpret test results, and provide insights that inform scalable shop systems, workflows, and equipment solutions for the field.  Key Result Areas Test Kitchen Operations & Support: Maintain operational readiness of the Test Kitchen and Mock Shop to support cross-functional testing initiatives Execute daily setup, breakdown, and cleanliness standards for the Test Kitchen and Mock Shop Coordinate test environment setup to accurately replicate field conditions and operational workflows Monitor equipment functionality and escalate opportunities for improvement or maintenance  Maintain inventories of ingredients, equipment, smallwares, and testing supplies as directed   Follow food safety, test kitchen SOP’s, and OSHA guidelines within the test kitchen  Support scheduled kitchen usage for R&D, Operations, and Training teams   Assist with basic equipment maintenance, coordination, and calibration scheduling  Collaborate with Operations, Product Development, Training, and Equipment teams to support testing and operational innovation  Product and Process Testing Execution:   Analyze test outcomes and identify operational implications for shop workflows, equipment, or processes  Synthesize testing observations into structured feedback for Operations, Product, and Training teams  Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to refine testing protocols and evaluation criteria  Identify operational risks, inefficiencies, or scalability challenges discovered during testing  Execute product, process, and workflow tests as outlined   Set up stations to replicate field conditions based on provided guidance   Support time studies, ergonomic observations, and deviations in testing logs  Assist with pre-field validation documentation and photo/video capture  Communicate testing results and insights to stakeholders in clear and actionable formats  Testing & Validation Support for Broista Centric Solutions:   Assist with in-kitchen testing of equipment, tools, and layouts   Support voice of the customer efforts by gathering and documenting tester and stakeholder feedback before, during, and after testing following established protocols  Facilitate voice-of-the-customer insights during testing by collecting, synthesizing, and summarizing feedback from testers and stakeholders  Translate field feedback into actionable observations to inform product, equipment, and process decisions  Support mock deployments and controlled trials of equipment and processes   Flag issues, inconsistencies, or safety concerns to leadership   Coordinate with vendors as needed  Operational Insight & Continuous Improvement:   Identify opportunities to improve shop workflows, equipment usability, or testing processes based on observations during testing  Provide recommendations that support the evolution of shop systems and operational best practices  Contribute to documentation and knowledge sharing that enables scalable operational improvements  Skills   Test planning, execution, and documentation  Cross-Functional Collaboration  Ability to follow established procedures  Creative problem solving  Technical and Equipment Aptitude   Time and task management within assigned priorities  Operational testing design and evaluation  Data interpretation and insight development  Process improvement methodology (Lean / CI exposure)  Field operations awareness and workflow analysis  Stakeholder communication and test result presentation  Job Qualifications   Required   2-4 years of experience in food service operations, product development, or equipment testing. QSR or coffee industry experience preferred   Exposure to QSR, coffee, or high-volume foodservice environments preferred  Working knowledge of basic equipment operations and innovation processes  Experience following testing protocols and documenting results accurately   Preferred   Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Science, Food Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)   Location Requirement:   This role may require occasional travel  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  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