Group Technology Leader Restaurant Systems and Operations Technology

1. Technology Strategy and 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 and 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 and Business Intelligence

• Own the Modern Data Platform (Azure / Databricks / Power BI) and the Groups 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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.

• Bachelors degree in Information Systems Computer Science Engineering or a related field.

• An Honours degree Masters degree or MBA would be advantageous.

• Recognised industry certifications would be advantageous particularly in Microsoft Azure Data or AI.

• 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.

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 and Business Intelligence

• Microsoft Azure.

• Databricks / Microsoft Fabric.

• Power BI and SQL.

• Data modelling and API integrations.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation

• AI agents and automation solutions.

• Power Automate.

• Prompt design.

• AI risk management and governance frameworks.

Infrastructure and Cyber Security

• Microsoft 365 Entra ID and Intune.

• Networking and Security Operations Centre (SOC) environments.

• Penetration testing.

• Backup solutions and disaster recovery (DR).

Governance and 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.

• 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.