Director - Culinary R&D

Why Wendy's 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!Lead and direct the strategic development, commercialization, and innovation of Wendy’s culinary offerings. This role combines deep technical expertise with creative leadership to deliver Gold Standard products that meet brand, operational, and ESG goals. The Director will oversee cross-functional teams and external partners to drive product excellence, cost optimization, and consumer satisfaction across domestic markets. Responsibilities Strategic Culinary Leadership: Direct the creation and optimization of menu items and packaging to align with brand strategy, profitability, and consumer trends. Lead recipe development, gold standard creation, and testing protocols using sensory and consumer mercialization Oversight: Lead the commercialization of new and improved products, ensuring specifications meet operational and quality standards. Collaborate with R&D, QA, and suppliers to finalize specifications and transition to novation & ESG: Integration: Identify and implement manufacturing and technology opportunities that enhance quality, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Support ESG initiatives in partnership with suppliers and internal teams.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build effective relationships with Operations, Marketing, Engineering, QA, QSCC, and Training to ensure seamless execution of innovation strategies.Team Development & Leadership: Coach and develop Culinary Innovation and Commercialization teams, fostering a culture of creativity, agility, and results orientation. Be a strategic counterpart to Wendy’s supplier partners, in partnership with QSCC and QA, to foster a collaborative relationship that leads with the consumer’s best interest. What we expect from you Minimum BS in Food Science, Culinary Arts or similarMBA or similar15+ years in successful new product development role8-12 years in leading and managing peopleCreative thinker with ability to problem solve, and achieve results in a dynamic environmentPassion for food, knowledge of current industry trends, awareness of supplier capabilities, and well-grounded in R&D processShow a proven track record in working with agilityExpected Work Location (In Office): It is expected that you will primarily perform work at the Wendy's Restaurant Support Center (RSC) (1 Dave Thomas Blvd, Dublin, OH 43017), or at other location(s) as designated by the Company. You are required to work in the office at least 4 days a week. Changes to work location arrangements are subject to managerial approval and business needs. #LI-OnsiteWendy’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.NOTE: Wendy’s benefits, bonus, and other incentives are governed by the applicable legal plans and policies and, where appropriate, may be subject to Board approval an individual award agreement terms. Those documents supersede all other information regarding Wendy’s benefits, bonus, and other incentives. Wendy’s retains the right to amend or terminate its plans and policies at its sole discretion, in accordance with applicable plans, policies and laws.Education: Bachelor's DegreeTravel: 30%Pay Range: $154,000.00 - $277,000.00 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.

Created: 2026-02-06