Director - Kitchen Engineering Innovation

Director - Kitchen Engineering Innovation

When our square shaped burgers made their first sizzle on the scene more than 50 years ago, people knew our approach wasn't like any other. Same goes for the way we support our employees. Our culture of openness, flexibility, and inclusiveness allows everybody to flourish in their own way. If you're looking for a career where you can be part of the action as we continue to grow our iconic brand We got you!

The Director role entails full ownership on the equipment platform focused on driving consistency at Wendy's through a "Operate One Best Way" approach. This engineering role will provide strategic leadership to the Kitchen Engineering Team to leverage new technologies and supplier relationships to simplify and improve operations in Wendy's restaurants both domestically and internationally. This leader will contribute to the company's overall success criteria by providing innovative solutions in the areas of kitchen layouts, foodservice equipment, operational efficiency, and food safety.

Additionally, this Director drives system alignment and execution of one standard of operating supporting innovation and culinary operations and supporting international equipment needs. This Director is required to be local to the Dublin, OH area or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Create short- and long-term equipment development and category review strategies, through an understanding of industry trends, menu changes, operational and development requirements.
• Maintains strong collaboration with all stakeholders, including Franchisees, to provide kitchen equipment and layouts expertise that meet culinary, operational, capital/operating cost and food/employee safety requirements.
• Establish and maintain procedures for project management processes including development of project charters, detailed project timelines, success criteria, functional requirements, development of lab/field testing methodology, project documentation and approved equipment repository.
• Manage Domestic Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer, Kitchen Equipment Suppliers and approved equipment portfolio representing over $95M in annual purchases.
• Manage International Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer and approved equipment portfolio.

What We Expect From You

• B.S. Engineering or equivalent experience; Mechanical Engineering preferred, industrial engineering a plus.
• 10 - 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, preferably QSR.
• Proven track record on managing innovation projects and department budgets.
• Excellent collaboration and communications skills.
• Strong vendor management skills.

Wendy's was built on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand.

The base pay range for this position is listed below. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and budget for the open position and also may vary depending on the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other relevant factors. This range does not include an estimated value for any benefits, bonus, or other incentives that may be applicable based on position. * The target annual bonus for this role is 25% of annualized base salary, based on actual company and personal performance.

Our square burgers make us different and so do our benefits! Our restaurant support roles are eligible for a wide array of benefits, including things such as parental leave, free EAP sessions, company 401k match and other great offerings. For more details about our benefits, please visit our benefits website.

Education: High School Diploma/GED

Travel: 20%

Pay Range: $142,000 - $256,000 Annually

Wendy's is an equal employment opportunity employer who may provide reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

PO BOX 256 Dublin, Ohio 43017