Director - Global System Optimization Finance

The Wendy's Company • Dublin, OH

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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! Directs the formulation and manages the execution of the Company’s Global System Optimization strategy which entails the buying and selling of Company restaurants, Franchise Flips, Franchise Growth Ready Program, Build-to-Suit development; along with leading the financial analysis of the company’s real estate strategy. Directs the preparation of, and reviews all deal valuation models and deal books, as well as discounted cash flow models for company real estate opportunities. Leads buyer/seller negotiations throughout the transaction for restaurants that have been identified as franchise acquisition and divestiture targets. Constructs recommendations of relevant deal terms and structure for senior leadership approval. Creates and owns the framework for ongoing evaluation of the global franchise system’s financial, operational and organizational capabilities, and manages the execution of approved initiatives. Leads cross-functional teams as the Project Manager in all Company Acquisition & Divesture activity. In partnership with the Vice President, Global System Optimization, Franchise and Portfolio Management, this person is the key point of contact for the Wendy’s system and will drive the strategic development of the department. This person serves as the primary contact to the Finance organization in communicating key economic deal terms impacting the company’s forecast (including providing interim forecast updates), Annual Operating Plan (budget), Long Range Plan and public announcements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting with 10+ years’ experience in a financial analysis position with a large organization.
• Driven to produce results with high attention to detail.
• Individual will be required to work cross functionally and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Expertise in financial modeling, management reporting systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to create and manage databases and Excel based financial models.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interpret results, understand implications and communicate to business users.
• Strong negotiation, communication and management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-unit restaurant and/or retail environment with M&A experience a plus.
• MBA or CPA preferred

Responsibilities

• Directs all of Wendy’s activities related to all Franchise-flip transactions. Lead the deal process from distribution of deal materials to deal closing, including leading due diligence phase, presenting and recommending selected buyers, soliciting Wendy’s leadership approval, overseeing weekly deal calls, working with third party attorneys and lenders to negotiate successful deal terms and engaging Wendy’s onboarding team for successful transition.
• Directs the execution of the company build-to-suit program. Partner with all cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication on projects, managing hand-off points and lines of communication. Develop both detailed and executive level dashboards to accurately forecast timing of completed projects and evaluate risks of company operated sites. Leads the continuous improvement of the financial model to accurately evaluate financial impacts for all stakeholders (company and franchisee). Owns the transaction process for all BTS projects that are opened under company operations and subsequently refranchised.
• Directs the financial review and approval of real estate acquisition and divestiture activity. Responsible for creating financial models and effectively communicating recommendations for strategic real estate investments, evaluating long term financial impacts and soliciting approval from SLT members. Consult with Portfolio Management and Global Development teams in ad hoc strategic real estate investments. Owns all company acquisitions and dispositions (re-franchising), including the financial review, managing internal and external stakeholders, presenting key deal terms and financial impacts to SLT for approval and managing the business needs and communication with all cross-functional teams within the organization.
• Directs cross-functional teams in the continuous improvement of the Franchise Growth Ready program. Ownership of the execution of the program, overseeing a staff that compiles, consolidates, analyzes and prepares materials for SLT review and input. Leads the annual review meeting of all franchisees and oversees the creation of scorecards to be communicated to the franchise community. Work with Senior Leadership to evaluate improvements to the program on an annual basis.
• Owns the analysis, recommendation and communication of key economic deal and real estate terms impacting the company’s forecast, Annual Operating Plan, Long Range Plan and public announcements. Support Development, Franchise Management and Company Ops Finance in the development and evaluation of company closure strategies.
• Direct the monthly Franchise Restructuring and Workout meetings for the US System (formerly SOLT); consisting of CEO, US Brand President, COO, CFO, CDO, CLO and various other senior executives. Delivers recommendations for high profile, and often highly sensitive, system strategy initiatives and provides leadership with the information needed to make informed decisions.
• Support the Vice President, Global System Optimization, Franchise and Portfolio Management in the strategic development of the department. Meet with franchisees at key industry events (Convention, conferences, etc.) to build relationships and keep a pulse on potential changes in the franchise system. Work closely with lenders to understand the changing capital markets and any financial impacts that could affect the Wendy’s system. Partner with internal stakeholders on non-flip related optimization including bankruptcies, workouts and special situations.

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.
• The target annual bonus for this role is 25% of annualized base salary, based on actual company and personal performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director