The Manager of Culinary Innovation & Commercialization leads the development, optimization, and execution of Wendy’s Canada menu innovation strategy across all dayparts. This role drives concept creation, product development, and commercialization to ensure the Canadian menu remains competitive, brand‑aligned, and operationally viable. The position plays a critical role in shaping the innovation pipeline, maintaining strong supplier partnerships, and supporting franchisees in bringing high-quality products to market.

Responsibilities

- Lead culinary concept development and product innovation for the Canadian business across all dayparts.
- Identify emerging trends, competitive insights, and consumer needs to inform the innovation pipeline.
- Maintain brand standards while developing new menu items and optimizing existing offerings.
- Oversee end to end commercialization for custom and off‑the‑shelf products, ensuring seamless transition from R&D; to restaurant execution.
- Collaborate with suppliers to manage product development, testing, qualification, and launch execution.
- Partner closely with the Director of International Innovation to assess U.S. innovation platforms for relevance and feasibility in the Canadian market.
- Provide visibility to U.S. partners on Canadian calendar initiatives with potential for cross‑market leverage.
- Ensure menu decisions align with global strategy while meeting the unique needs of the Canada business.
- Work closely with Marketing, Supply Chain,



Quality Assurance, Operations, and Consumer Insights to advance innovation initiatives.
- Serve as the primary culinary liaison to Canadian franchisees, supporting market feedback and acting as a brand ambassador.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to support R&D;, innovation, and reliable commercialization outcomes.
- Lead technical and culinary problem solving, ensuring products meet quality, cost, and operational requirements.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Travel

30%

Pay Range

CAD 105,000.00 - CAD 184,000.00 Annually

What We Expect From You

- Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Culinary, or Nutrition (Technical background and expertise necessary)
- 10 years’ combined experience in product development, commercialization, restaurants and education
- Proficient computer skills including outlook, word, excel and power point
- Robust 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 Canadian Restaurant Support Center 5515 North Service Rd STE 201 Burlington ON L7L 6G4 Canada or at other location(s) as designated by the Company. You are required to work in the office at least 3 days a week. Changes to work location arrangements are subject to managerial approval and business needs.

📌 Manager - Culinary Innovation & Commercialization (Burlington)
🏢 The Wendy's
📍 Burlington