Director - US Company Development

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 purpose of the Director - US Company Development is to provide strategic leadership and execution of new company restaurant development to include Build-to-Suit Program across the US. The role is an expert Real Estate Developer, skilled collaborator leading cross-functional teams, and acts as a single point of contact with landlords on each project from inception to completion. The person is a deal maker managing the Real Estate Development Process, Market Planning, Site Selection, Financial Analysis, Deal Structuring, and CAPCOM deal approvals. The role Leads a Development Team of 5 -6 Real Estate Directors and a Specialist to execute the development strategy in delivering a target of 30 - 50 restaurant openings per year and an equal number of projects on a rolling 2-year pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Leads all company development to achieve the AOP and LRP. Includes Real Estate Development Process, Market Planning, Site Selection, Financial Analysis, and Deal Structuring. Lead and execute Company Development, POD Development Strategy/BTS (Build to Suit)/REPP Program; and create Development strategies for growth including asset strategy in accelerating development, i.e. build and flip, conversions, alternative formats, etc.
• Deal structuring (lease negotiations vs property acquisition) of Company investments to de-risk and improve Franchise paybacks (BTS/REPP); CAPCOM deal approvals and Company Pipeline managing. Lead cross-functional collaboration with Finance and Operations.
• Project ownership and management - act as single point of contact with landlords on each project from start to finish securing target openings through active collaboration with key functional leaders in Design, Construction, Finance, Legal, and Operations.
• Drives strategic engagement with US Fz Development Director and Fz Recruitment Director to successfully execute on Development Agreements with existing franchisees on POD Development commitments, and new franchisees or approved franchise candidates. Provide real estate support for new or approved franchise candidates.
• Attends industry conference to build networks within the industry and to establish Wendy’s as a strong developing brand.
• Facilitates Development Broker/Landlord Summit & builds strategic partnerships to scale growth. Manages and builds Landlord/Developer and Brokers Relationships to build networks and credibility of new build program. Accelerates development leveraging 3rd party consultants with creative solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge/skill in market planning and implementation for freestanding “retail” real estate development, site selection, trade area analysis, real estate contract negotiation, construction management, facilities management, and asset strategy. Experience in franchise, multi-unit restaurant/retail industry preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a franchise and/or corporate real estate environment and 5 years of experience leading team efforts. Proven track record in leading field-based teams and driving results via creative thinking and problem solving to achieve results.
• Extensive knowledge of real estate development process including broker management, negotiation, real estate contracts, demographic analysis, financial analysis, site plans and zoning.
• Proficiency in MS Office, with advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, Knowledge of GIS analytics, Oracle, real estate related tools are a plus.
• Strong influence and negotiation skills with the ability to communicate with Senior Leadership. Clear and effective communication across all media with people at various levels, internal and external.
• BA/BS degree in real estate, business or other related field. Master’s in real estate or MBA preferred.
  
  

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. Director and above roles are also eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive award program.

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: 50%

Pay Range: $150,000 - $250,000 Annually