POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for leading the company’s technology infrastructure across restaurant and corporate environments, ensuring systems are reliable, secure, and scalable to support business operations. The Director of IT partners with operations, finance, HR, and leadership to implement technology solutions that improve efficiency, reporting, communication, and guest experience across all locations.
This role will design and maintain scalable IT systems, tools, policies, and procedures to support franchise expansion and long-term organizational growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee restaurant and corporate technology systems including POS, networking, hardware, and software.
- Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute IT strategies aligned with company growth.
- Develop and execute a scalable IT strategy that supports both corporate and franchise growth.
- Establish standardized IT systems, approved technology stack, and implementation guidelines for franchise locations.
- Create and maintain IT policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency across all markets.
- Evaluate and manage third-party technology vendors and service providers.
- Negotiate contracts and service agreements.
- Ensure data security, backups, and compliance with company standards.
- Ensure franchise compliance with company IT security standards, data protection requirements, and approved technology platforms.
- Establish incident response and escalation procedures for franchise and corporate locations.
- Monitor systems for vulnerabilities and respond appropriately to security incidents.
- Ensure adherence to any relevant regulatory standards.
- Lead system implementations, upgrades, and integration from planning through implementation.
- Support restaurant technology troubleshooting.
- Maintain IT documentation, standards, and procedures.
- Develop and manage IT budgets.
- Evaluate new technology solutions to improve operations.
- Support onboarding/offboarding system access.
- Train managers and staff on technology systems.
- Support new restaurant openings and infrastructure planning.
- Lead IT planning and system deployment for new restaurant openings, including franchise locations.
- Develop franchise IT onboarding protocols, including system setup, vendor coordination, and operational readiness standards.
- Serve as primary IT advisor to franchise operators regarding approved systems, security requirements, and brand technology standards.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:
- Proven track record of exceptional customer service
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to manage multiple systems and priorities
- Professional demeanor and service mindset
- Strong attention to detail
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive IT experience, including multi-location systems support or leadership experience.
- Experience supporting restaurant or hospitality technology environments strongly preferred, including POS systems, networking, hardware deployment, and SaaS platforms.
- Experience managing technology vendors, system implementations, and infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of data security practices, system access management, and business continuity planning.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS
- Must have the ability/stamina to work a minimum of 40-50 hours a week.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods when visiting restaurant locations.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. (equipment, hardware, etc.).
- Will frequently reach, bend, carry equipment, and use computer systems.
- Must be able to work in both office and restaurant environments.
- Must be able to tolerate higher levels of noise from restaurant operations.
- Must be able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors and outdoors.
