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 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:

DOE

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