Dream job alert: Wendy’s is looking to hire a “chief tasting officer”—and the role pays $100,000.
The fast-food company launched a contest to find the perfect person for the unique job. The new CTO will create content and taste-test Wendy’s food on camera.
Wendy’s is known for its humorous approach to marketing and branding.
The job ad is no exception. The contest website reads: “Do you hate your job? Are you too iconic to be opening PDFs for your boss? Ever been told you’re a personality hire? Do you care more about bacon than bottom lines? Are you more about JBC than KPI?”
Want to try your luck at landing the coveted role? Here’s what you need to know.
What the chief tasting officer role entails
Wendy’s chief tasting officer will be tasked with creating content and appearing in promotional videos.
While not an offer of full-time employment, the role is real. One grand prize winner will have the opportunity to become Wendy’s chief tasting officer.
The CTO will be employed by Wendy’s as an independent contractor and will receive a salary equal to $100,000 after meeting the deliverables outlined in the contract, according to the contest rules.
Wendy’s jokes that the remote role will only require light travel, “mostly to your local Wendy’s and/or the couch.”
As for the required credentials? “A human mouth. A pulse. Opinion. Creativity. Taste.”
In terms of the specifics of the role, Wendy’s explains: “Basically, you’ll get paid to eat Wendy’s, be chill, maybe make some content and maybe even star in ads. Whether its quarterly vlog check-ins, taste trending, or whatever, you’ll make cheddar just for liking cheddar.”
A spokesperson for Wendy’s tells Fast Company that the job would last for one year. As of now, there are no plans to renew the opportunity beyond that point.
Here’s how to enter the contest
Wendy’s asks applicants to submit a video showing why they’re a perfect fit for the position. The contest website reads, “It is the chief tasting officer . . . show us some tasting—and some creativity while you’re at it!”
Want to become Wendy’s chief tasting officer?
Here’s how to enter the contest:
- Create an up-to-60-second video
- Post a public video to TikTok or Instagram, or upload your video and complete a registration form at wendyschieftastingofficer.com.
Contestant entries will be accepted through March 30, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to use Wendy’s branding, products, and food in their video.
Be sure to review the official contest rules, as they outline specific guidelines.
A panel of judges will determine 10 finalists. Video entries will be scored based on creativity, brand love, brand safety, personality, and potential.
Each finalist will complete an interview, which will be judged based on execution, reach, uniqueness, and willingness. One grand prize winner will be chosen.
Battle of the burger
In recent days, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s have been in a heated burger battle.
In early February, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski shared a video of himself taste-testing the company’s new Big Arch burger. People started noticing the video last week.
In the video, he appears to be reluctant to try the burger and repeatedly refers to it as a “product.” Social media users were quick to react, calling the video inauthentic and questioning whether he actually enjoyed the burger.
Burger King responded by releasing its own video of company president Tom Curtis trying the Whopper. In the video, Curtis jokes, “Only one thing missing . . . a napkin.”
Wendy’s also got in on the fun. The fast-food company took to social media to share a video of company president Pete Suerken tasting a Baconator and a Frosty.
In the video, he trolls, alluding to McDonald’s unreliable ice cream machines. “Is this set up today? Oh, wait, our machines are always working!”
This story has been updated with Wendy’s response to our inquiry.