Sr Specialist - Company Operations Training (Chicago)

The Sr Specialist, Company Operations Training (OTS) reports to the Manager, Company Operations Training (OTM) with a dotted line to the DAO and collaborates with the Operations Training team. This role ensures consistent adherence to Company training and development standards through training, coaching, restaurant training certification oversight, Core Training program execution, DM, GM, AGM, Shift Manager development, and enhancing restaurant management and multi‑unit performance. This position also serves as a direct bench for Field Operations Manager, Director of Area Operations, Operations Training Manager, and other operations and/or training roles in the field and at the Restaurant Support Center. Responsibilities Support and conduct area training for new product implementations and non‑product initiatives for company markets, including special projects/tests as required; complete new product execution checklists and communicate opportunities to DM and DAO; support core manager training and development (Shift, AGM, GM/TRM, and DM) and core training execution by tracking training and certification progress, including regular check‑ins with each trainee; track weekly recap/feedback from each trainee and address concerns with DM/TRM. Conduct assessments, provide coaching and feedback during restaurant visits on operations, including food safety/FSA performance; assess areas of opportunity and communicate findings with restaurant leadership teams; facilitate designated “development days” for restaurant leaders and multi‑unit managers; recommend potential training programs with key restaurant and organizational leaders; partner with DAO and organizational leaders to build capability and bench with multi‑unit managers and restaurant management teams. Teach designated Wendy’s University classes in assigned company markets; provide recommendations and input to Operations Training Team and the Restaurant Support Center on area training needs as necessary. Manage the training restaurant certification process following a disciplined and consistent pattern of management in training restaurants that elevates restaurant and district/area performance; complete WDRV & TEA for re‑certification and new certifications; support ongoing assessment of training restaurant performance and maintain required metrics; conduct monthly visits to each training location and quarterly WDRV; monitor metrics required to maintain training restaurant status and report out to DAO monthly; partner with DM to diagnose and correct negative trends in performance and lead development of action plans when metrics are below required level; partner with DM to identify future training restaurants and coach/monitor DMs to follow pre‑certification steps as outlined in the CTR program. Support activities and company area‑led initiatives (DM/DAO meetings, GM rallies, & new restaurant openings) as directed by the DAO; provide training and support to internal field operations teams as required; support the market operations leadership team by developing and following up on new franchisee training as required. Pay Range: $81,000.00 - $138,000.00 Annually What We Expect From You Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years in operations with supervisory experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of both. Exceptional presentation and facilitation skills; able to lead instruction for a wide range of audiences. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related presentation tools. Strong organizational and planning skills. Strong written and oral communication skills. Expected Work Location (Field): It is expected that you will primarily perform work at Wendy's Restaurants or other field locations as designated by the Company (primarily Boston, MA). When not working at a Wendy's location, you are permitted to work remotely. Changes to work location arrangements are subject to managerial approval and business needs. Our restaurant support roles are eligible for a wide array of benefits, including parental leave, free EAP sessions, company 401(k) match, and other benefits. For more details, please visit our benefits website, #J-18808-Ljbffr The Wendy's Company