Vp - Restaurant Operations Services & Innovation

What you'll do
Reporting into the US Chief Operations Officer, and with a team of 6 direct reports and fourteen project managers, industrial engineers, and operations experts, this role is accountable for operationalizing all initiatives that hit our restaurants. In addition to maintaining and improving current processes, this role will also develop and execute upon a vision for disruptive, industry-leading innovation to drive an even higher level of performance across key metrics.
This role interfaces cross-functionally with various stakeholders, including culinary, marketing, franchise development, technology, training, HR, QA, finance, communications, government relations and our supply chain co-op. In addition to these internal partnerships, relationships with key franchise constituents, key suppliers and our board of directors is critical to drive a culture of continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Innovation - Lead the discovery, design, development and implementation of new and modified systems, equipment, tools and processes that simplify operations and improve overall operational performance and restaurant economics. Accountable for operationalizing cross-functional innovation to ensure proper application and execution at the restaurant level, including platforms like Fresh AI (Google voice ordering) and Pipedream (underground autonomous robot).
Sales, Labor, Margin Improvement - Lead and support initiatives that improve restaurant level margins for our Company portfolio and drive the restaurant economic model for our franchisees. Employ a continuous improvement mindset when evaluating direct and indirect restaurant level expenses. Own the labor strategy and supporing models and guides.
Operationalize Products & Technology - Lead, support, test and implement the operational integration of new products, both menu and technology (ie, handheld point of sale). Lead all tests for new products. Work closely with cross-functional leaders, to identify and execute new product strategies, tactics and timetables to meet Wendy’s business objectives. Oversee the development and execution of operational procedures, training tools, and materials to support product and process innovation which meets all operational parameters and objectives for the Wendy’s organization.
Customer Experience and Restaurant Assessments - Own Voice of the Customer platform through SMG. Accountable for identifying areas of opportunities and designing programs to drive improvement. Own in-restaurant assessment programs, including visit agenda completed by franchise operations coaches and food safety assessment led through EcoSure.
Restaurant Equipment and Footprint - Owns all equipment specifications for all building layouts and drives Wendy’s CSR strategy by applying a “green” lens to our buildings and packaging.
Project prioritization, timelines, budgets, processes & work flows
Multi-functional project planning and project management
Department resource allocation
Business owner for key operational platforms
What we expect from you
5+ years of restaurant/retail operations experience including multi-level supervision
Strong business acumen, business maturity, organizing & planning, influence, visioning, constructive conflict skills, and experience with talent development
Proven track record of analytical skills and problem solving that drives innovative solutions to complex situations through collaboration with a variety of cross functional stakeholders
Natural capacity to quickly establish and build effective relationships across the organization
Established influencing, consulting, and communication skills; has the ability to influence, engage and motivate people
Open to relocating selected candidate to Dublin, Ohio and will consider remote work situation in the Dublin area or outside of Ohio.
Travel: 25%
Pay Range: $193,000 - $357,000 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.