Manager - Culinary Innovation

The Wendy's Company; Dublin (OH); On-site; USD 105,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Free EAP sessions

Company 401k match

Job summary

The Wendy's Company is looking for a culinary leader to drive innovation and enhance our brand strategy. You will manage product development, supplier relationships, and mentor a team of culinary professionals.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or Culinary, alongside 10 years of experience in product development and restaurants. A passion for food and strong organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 10 years of combined experience in product development, restaurants, and education.
• Proficient computer skills including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary innovation by creating trend-forward menu items aligned with brand strategy.
• Manage formulation, testing, and optimization of new products and processes.
• Build strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure high-quality partnerships.

Skills

Creative thinker

Strong organizational skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Excellent communication skills

Passion for food

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Culinary, or related field

Job description

What you'll do

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 culinary innovation by creating trend-forward menu items aligned with brand strategy. Manage formulation, testing, and optimization of new products and processes to drive profitable growth. Serve as a leader within the Culinary Innovation team, fostering creativity and best in class consumer experiences.

Responsibilities

Manage Culinary Strategy for Multiple Category Platforms

• Develop and maintain a robust innovation pipeline across assigned menu categories.
• Ensure alignment with brand strategy, R&D Food Vision, food safety standards, and cost targets.
• Conduct regular category reviews, identify gaps, and propose solutions to meet consumer expectations.
• Act as subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross‑functional teams
• Monitor performance metrics and make product recommendations based on consumer trends and competitive analysis.

Manage Product Development

• Lead creation of gold‑standard prototypes and new product formulations that can be scaled for commercialization.
• Conduct rigorous testing: portion studies, temperature/yield analysis, and competitive benchmarking.
• Validate equipment compatibility and operational feasibility in restaurant environments.
• Document findings and present actionable recommendations to leadership and cross‑functional partners.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure high quality partnerships and best ways of working
• Be knowledgeable on timelines, quality standards, and cost parameters to meet business objectives.
• Organize supplier demos, tastings, and innovation sessions to align with brand vision.
• Provide structured and timely feedback to suppliers following product reviews and provide supplier performance feedback to culinary leadership for quarterly business meetings.
• Stay informed on supplier capabilities and emerging technologies to leverage for future projects.

Provide Culinary Vision & Trend Leadership

• Serve as a thought leader in culinary innovation, influencing the brand’s food culture.
• Research and interpret culinary trends, competitive offerings, and consumer insights.
• Ensure compliance with Brand ingredient regulations, nutritional standards and ESG goals.
• Be agile and willing to adapt strategy in a fast‑paced environment.

Grow and Develop Direct Reports

• Mentor team members through structured development plans and performance feedback.
• Identify stretch assignments and cross‑functional opportunities to build leadership skills.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages creativity and accountability.
• Provide coaching on project prioritization, stakeholder management, and technical skills.
• Support succession planning by preparing high‑potential talent for future leadership roles.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Travel: 25%

Pay Range: $105,000.00 - $184,000.00 Annually

What we expect from you

• Education: Bachelors Degree Additional education information (major, etc.): Food Science, Culinary or related field.
• 10 years’ combined experience in product development, restaurants and education
• Proficient computer skills including outlook, word, excel and power point
• Strong organizational, communication, delegation and presentation skills
• Creative thinker with ability to achieve results in a dynamic environment
• Passion for food

Expected 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.

Our restaurant support roles are eligible for a wide array of benefits, including parental leave, free EAP sessions, company 401k match and other great offerings. For more details about our benefits, visit our benefits website, www.wendysbenefits.com.

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.