The Manager, Energy & IoT Management is responsible for leading Inspire Brands’ energy management strategy across the company-owned portfolio. This position develops and executes programs that optimize utility consumption, improve restaurant performance, extend asset life, reduce operating costs, and support sustainability objectives.
Reporting to the Director, Facilities Strategy & COE, this role serves as the business owner for Inspire’s company-owned location Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Connected Kitchen platforms, utility usage performance management and efficiency initiatives, and utility incentive programs. The Manager will be responsible for governance, reporting, continuous improvement of these platforms while leveraging data and analytics to identify opportunities, recommend enhancements, prioritize investments, validate results, and drive measurable business outcomes across all brands.
The position partners closely with Facilities, Operations, Equipment Innovation, Restaurant Technology, Finance, Procurement, utility providers, and strategic vendors to optimize energy performance, maximize rebate opportunities, optimize system capabilities, and support enterprise utility reduction goals. The role will also support the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies and initiatives that advance Inspire's operational and financial objectives.
*This position is a US based Remote Opportunity
Serve as business owner for EMS and Connected Kitchen platforms (including Open Kitchen) and future energy management technologies. Define priorities, enhancements, governance, reporting, and adoption strategies.
Manage relationships with EMS providers, utility consultants, energy vendors, utility companies, and strategic partners. Establish vendor KPIs, lead regular business reviews, and drive continuous improvement across relationships.
Develop and execute utility reduction programs and energy optimization initiatives that reduce operating costs, improve restaurant performance, extend asset life, and support enterprise objectives
Utilize energy dashboards and reporting tools to identify consumption trends, outliers, savings opportunities, and operational risks. Evaluate reporting effectiveness and partner with internal stakeholders to enhance visibility, analytics and where capabilities are needed.
Develop and manage Inspire's utility rebate and incentive strategy by identifying opportunities, partnering with utility providers and vendors, prioritizing projects based on ROI, and maximizing incentive capture across all brands
Build business cases, savings analyses, lifecycle cost evaluations, and ROI models that support capital planning, utility reduction projects, EMS enhancements, and energy-related investments
Support enterprise sustainability and ESG initiatives through utility data management, reporting support, and energy performance analysis
Minimum: 4 yr Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Business, Finance, Sustainability or related field
Preferred:
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or similar industry certification.
Certified Energy Auditor (CEA), LEED Accredited Professional, or similar industry certification
Minimum: 5+ years of experience in facilities management, energy management, utilities, engineering, building systems, restaurant operations, or related fields.
Experience leading enterprise programs and cross-functional programs and strategic initiatives
Experience developing financial analyses, business cases, and ROI models and capital investment recommendations
Experience utilizing data analytics to identify trends, prioritize opportunities, and influence business decisions
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives while driving measurable outcomes
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Preferred:
Experience in multi-unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, healthcare, or commercial facilities environments
Experience with EMS, BAS, BMS, IoT platforms, or Connected Kitchen technologies
Experience managing utility rebate and incentive programs
Experience working with utility providers, energy consultants, and technology vendors
Experience implementing energy efficiency or smart building technologies across multiple locations REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Strong understanding of utility management, HVAC, refrigeration, lighting, controls, and building management systems
Ability to leverage reporting and analytics tools to identify opportunities and drive action
Knowledge of utility rate structures, utility rebates, incentives, and energy efficiency programs
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large data sets and translate findings into actionable business recommendations
Financial acumen, including capital planning, ROI analysis, and cost-benefit evaluation
Strong project and program management skills
Ability to communicate and present complex analyses and recommendations to executive and operational audiences
Experience managing vendor relationships through performance metrics, scorecards, KPIs’ and driving accountability
Strategic thinker with a continuous improvement mindset
Ability to elevate emerging technologies and recommend scalable solutions Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,300 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.
SONIC Drive-In is a quick-service restaurant chain that operates through a franchisee model. The company focuses on supporting its franchise network through business consultation, operational excellence, and consistent brand experience delivery. SONIC works with franchisees to drive sales growth, profitability, and network expansion while maintaining safe and standardized operations across locations. The company coordinates marketing initiatives, training support, and facility management including remodels and new restaurant openings.
