Group Technology Leader - Restaurant Systems & Operations Technology

A leading restaurant chain is looking for a Group Technology Leader to join their team in Midrand, GP. Purpose of the role: Lead technology across the restaurant chain in South Africa, Cyprus, the UK and other international markets. The role oversees the people, processes, platforms and partners supporting restaurants and head offices, including infrastructure, restaurant systems, data and reporting, customer-facing technology and AI. The Group Technology Leader transforms technology from a support function into a business driver by simplifying work, integrating systems, providing leaders with trusted and actionable data, and ensuring technology is secure, well governed and valuable to crew, franchisees and customers. Responsibilities: 1. Technology Strategy & Leadership * Assess existing and emerging platforms and develop and deliver a Group-wide technology, data and AI strategy and roadmap aligned with business objectives and approved by the leadership team. * Evaluate and approve technology systems, projects and expenditure, assessing each change holistically against the overall technology environment. * Drive the global standardisation of systems, data and processes. * Monitor relevant technology trends and translate them into practical, commercially viable solutions. * Maintain and enhance existing systems while identifying new technology opportunities that deliver measurable value to the brand. 2. Restaurant Systems & Operations Technology * Oversee all restaurant technology, including POS systems, digital menus, payments, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), branded Wi-Fi, CCTV/audio, networking, and the Technology Blueprint for new and existing restaurants. * Lead the Cloud POS programme, including solution selection, integration, migration, piloting and phased rollout. * Oversee integrations with aggregators, Uber Direct, online ordering platforms and waiter ordering systems. * Ensure restaurant technology issues are logged, prioritised and resolved through structured ticketing and escalation processes. * Implement preventive measures to reduce recurring issues and technology-related risks. 3. Data, Reporting & Business Intelligence * Own the Modern Data Platform (Azure / Databricks / Power BI) and the Group's data and reporting framework. * Deliver reliable Executive Committee (Exco), operational, financial and franchise reporting that explains business performance, identifies actionable next steps and supports informed decision-making. * Establish data governance frameworks, KPI definitions, master data management and data quality standards. * Promote data literacy and self-service analytics across the business. 4. AI, Automation & Innovation * Lead AI adoption across the Group, using the approved business platform and specialised AI tools where required by specific teams. * Develop and maintain AI policies, governance frameworks and safeguards while reducing the use of unauthorised AI tools. * Identify and implement high-value automation solutions and AI agents to reduce manual work and improve decision-making. * Build internal AI capability through AI champions, training and adoption programmes. * Ensure AI and automation tools are fit for purpose and deliver measurable value to the brand. 5. Customer & Digital Technology * Oversee CRM, loyalty programmes, the OB App, customer Wi-Fi and digital platforms, ensuring secure integrations and reliable data flows. * Partner with Marketing and Operations to increase digital engagement and grow first-party customer data. 6. Infrastructure, Cyber Security & Compliance * Ensure optimal performance of infrastructure, Microsoft 365/Azure, devices and networks across all offices and restaurants. * Manage technology risk, cyber security, penetration testing, IT Governance, Risk and Compliance (IT GRC), and business continuity/disaster recovery. * Ensure compliance with POPIA, GDPR and internal security standards. * Coordinate internal and external technology audits, resolve findings within agreed timelines, and implement controls and tools to minimise future risks. 7. Vendors, Contracts & Budget * Develop and manage the annual Group technology budget, including interdepartmental billbacks and cost recovery. * Negotiate and manage contracts, service-level agreements (SLAs) and renewals with technology partners and managed service providers. * Lead Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and like-for-like vendor evaluations, providing clear and defensible recommendations. 8. People Leadership & Business Partnering * Lead, coach and develop the Technology team through clear objectives, job specifications, KPIs and development plans. * Build a high-performance, accountable and collaborative team culture, ensuring succession planning for key roles. * Act as a trusted technology partner to the Group Leadership Team, departments and franchisees. * Present technology updates, business cases and progress reports to the Group Leadership Team, shareholders and the Board. Mininum Requirements: 1. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering or a related field. * An Honours degree, Master’s degree or MBA would be advantageous. * Recognised industry certifications would be advantageous, particularly in Microsoft Azure, Data or AI. 2. Experience Requirements * At least 10 years’ experience managing technology, data and reporting, and restaurant systems. * Proven experience leading technology teams and managing outsourced partners and managed service providers. * Experience in restaurant, hospitality, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), retail or franchise environments, including POS systems and multi-store rollouts. * Experience operating in multi-territory and multi-currency environments, including South Africa and international markets. * A proven track record of delivering AI, automation or digital transformation initiatives with measurable business value. * Experience presenting to executive teams. 3. Technical Competencies Restaurant Systems * POS systems (cloud-based and on-premise). * Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), payment solutions and digital menus. * Aggregators, online ordering platforms, loyalty programmes and CRM systems. Data Platforms & Business Intelligence * Microsoft Azure. * Databricks / Microsoft Fabric. * Power BI and SQL. * Data modelling and API integrations. Artificial Intelligence & Automation * AI agents and automation solutions. * Power Automate. * Prompt design. * AI risk management and governance frameworks. Infrastructure & Cyber Security * Microsoft 365, Entra ID and Intune. * Networking and Security Operations Centre (SOC) environments. * Penetration testing. * Backup solutions and disaster recovery (DR). Governance & Business Systems * IT Governance, Risk and Compliance (IT GRC). * POPIA and GDPR compliance. * IT service management and project management. * Understanding of business ERP systems and their integration with other systems and data. 4. Additional Requirements * Ability and willingness to travel locally and internationally as required. * Availability to support critical restaurant system incidents when necessary. * High attention to detail and strong project management discipline. Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move. Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience. Apply for this role today, contact Gaby Turner at Hire Resolve or on LinkedIn. You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us or email us your CV: We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise. Hire Resolve IT/Computer Recruiter About Specialists in Civil, Structural, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, Mining, Manufacturing and Finance Careers! Hire Resolve is one of the larger and more agile South African recruitment companies that focus on placing professionals and skilled people in permanent employment and contract employment. We prefer and focus on working with top quality professionals and candidates in South Africa and Africa. Hire Resolve has successfully placed Engineering, Mining, IT, Manufacturing and Finance professionals with top firms across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and in Africa. Hire Resolve has assisted candidates to find jobs at over 100 JSE listed companies of which many are global companies with offices and operations in South Africa and Africa. It is for this reason that we are well respected in the industries we operate in and in the recruitment industry.