Associate Manager - Consumer Insights

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! 

Provide leadership in the application of custom primary and secondary consumer research for key product and business platforms for the Wendy’s brand. Accountable for proactively assessing business needs, and developing and implementing plans to address these needs.  Integrate consumer insights into actionable business strategies that ultimately result in short-term and long-term growth opportunities for the company.

• Lead the initiation, design & analysis of primary consumer research programs that support business decisions & identify opportunities for the Wendy's brand focusing on secondary product platforms.  Research programs include, but not limited to, leading in-depth qualitative consumer discussions, placing and analyzing quantitative research, conducting competitive understanding, and understanding & leveraging external industry & cultural trends. 
• Demonstrates project management principles in leading consumer learning programs incorporating project objectives, responsibilities, timing and budget considerations.  Leads external research partners to ensure high quality performance while ensuring best-in-class practices are fully leveraged including traditional and emerging techniques.
• Leverage written and oral communication skills to not only summarize and communicate consumer insights but to guide and influence the cross-functional organization in developing business strategies against these insights.
• Effectively collaborate cross-functionally (especially across Marketing, R&D, and Operations) to develop strategic business plans while ensuring the voice of the consumer is fully appreciated and utilized across the organization; champion a 'Consumer is Boss' mentality across the organization.

• required: B.S. or B.A. in business, marketing research, statistics, or the social sciences
• preferred: M.S. or M.A. in business, marketing research, statistics, or the social sciences
• Expertise in designing and leading qualitative & quantitative marketing research
• Ability to partner with and lead external marketing research partners
• 2-3+ years of corporate and/or agency marketing research experience in retail, food, &/or CPG

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 10% 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.