Director - Emerging Technology

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 of Emerging Technology is a visionary and hands-on leader responsible for identifying, evaluating, and integrating transformative technologies that drive innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. This role blends architectural foresight with executional rigor, overseeing the development and deployment of AI, automation, cloud-native platforms, and other next-generation solutions across the enterprise. Things such as vision, IoT, drone delivery, robotics and new unproven technologies are all included.

The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams in prototyping, piloting, and scaling emerging technologies-especially those that impact restaurant systems, customer experience, and enterprise platforms. This role requires deep technical expertise across a multitude of disciplines, strong business acumen, and the ability to translate complex innovations into actionable strategies that align with organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Technology Strategy & Road mapping

  Define and evolve the enterprise roadmap for emerging technologies, including AI/ML, intelligent automation, edge computing, and data platforms.

• Innovation Leadership & Prototyping

  Lead rapid prototyping and pilot deployments of high-impact solutions, such as AI agents, fraud detection systems, and digital menu enhancements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

  Partner with product, engineering, operations, and finance teams to align innovation initiatives with business priorities and customer needs.

• Platform Reliability & Scalability

  Oversee the design and stabilization of platforms like FreshAi, ensuring system resilience, vendor coordination, and real-time incident support.

• Vendor & Partner Engagement

  Build strategic relationships with technology vendors, research institutions, and industry partners to accelerate innovation and adoption.

• Governance & Compliance

  Ensure all emerging tech initiatives meet performance, scalability, and compliance standards, including data privacy, security, and ethical AI practices.

• Required: Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in technology innovation, architecture, or R&D leadership.
• Proven expertise in AI/ML, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), automation, and data engineering.
• Strong understanding of enterprise systems, DevSecOps, and digital transformation.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and vendor relationships.
• Preferred: Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., FedRAMP, NIST, CIS) is a plus

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. #LI-Onsite

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, including an overview of eligibility and terms for certain benefits, please visit our benefits website, www.wendysbenefits.com.

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 Degree

Travel: 5%

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