Vice President of Information Technology - Restaurants

leapbrands; Wayne (NJ); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Leapbrands is seeking a Vice President of Information Technology to build the technology backbone for a fast-growing restaurant brand. You will oversee restaurant tech, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, cloud architecture, AI, and digital transformation to enable scalable growth.

This executive role blends strategy with hands-on execution, partnering with Operations, Marketing, Finance, HR, and Development to enhance the guest experience and drive business performance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive IT leadership.
• 5+ years leading enterprise technology organizations.
• Multi-unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, franchise, or consumer-facing business experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise apps, and restaurant tech.

Responsibilities

• Lead all restaurant technology and enterprise systems initiatives.
• Develop and execute the company's IT strategy across departments.
• Build scalable platforms to support rapid unit growth.
• Oversee AI roadmap, automation, and data-driven decision making.
• Manage cloud infrastructure, networking, and data architecture.
• Ensure cybersecurity, privacy, and business continuity standards.
• Lead budgeting, vendor partnerships, and IT governance.

Skills

IT leadership

Cloud infrastructure

Cybersecurity

Digital transformation

AI strategy

Budget management

Vendor management

Executive communication

Tools

Microsoft Azure

AWS

Microsoft 365

ERP

Data warehouse

BI tools

Job description

Technology is no longer a support function. It's a competitive advantage.

We're looking for a Vice President of Information Technology who can build the technology infrastructure behind one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the industry. This leader will oversee everything from restaurant technology and cybersecurity to enterprise infrastructure, cloud architecture, AI, and digital transformation.

This is a hands-on executive role for someone who understands both strategy and execution. You'll partner closely with Operations, Marketing, Finance, HR, and Development to create scalable technology solutions that improve the guest experience and drive business performance.

If you've successfully led IT within a multi-unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, or franchise organization, we'd love to talk.

What You'll Own

• Develop and execute the company's overall IT strategy.
• Lead all restaurant technology, enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Build scalable technology platforms to support rapid unit growth.
• Partner with Operations to improve restaurant technology, POS, kitchen systems, handheld devices, networking, and guest-facing technology.
• Lead enterprise applications including ERP, HRIS, payroll, CRM, labor management, inventory, and reporting platforms.
• Develop and execute the company's AI roadmap, identifying opportunities to automate processes, improve decision-making, and increase productivity across the organization.
• Oversee cloud infrastructure, networking, telecommunications, and data architecture.
• Ensure business continuity, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Manage third-party technology vendors and strategic partnerships.
• Build and develop a high-performing internal IT organization.
• Develop and manage annual IT budgets and capital investments.
• Create technology roadmaps supporting new restaurant openings, acquisitions, and remodels.
• Establish IT governance, policies, and security standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead all restaurant technology initiatives across corporate and field operations.
• Oversee POS platforms, payment processing, online ordering, loyalty, kiosks, digital menu boards, and mobile applications.
• Drive enterprise reporting and business intelligence capabilities.
• Improve network performance and reliability across all restaurant locations.
• Ensure PCI compliance, data privacy, and cybersecurity standards.
• Develop AI-driven solutions for recruiting, customer engagement, forecasting, scheduling, inventory management, and corporate productivity.
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term technology investments.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic solutions.
• Support M&A integration and technology due diligence.
• Build scalable processes that allow the business to grow efficiently.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience.
• 5+ years leading enterprise technology organizations.
• Multi-unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, franchise, or consumer-facing business experience strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of cloud infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and restaurant technology.
• Experience leading digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies and enterprise automation.
• Experience managing large technology budgets.
• Excellent communication and executive leadership skills.
• Proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams.

Preferred Experience

Experience with:

• Restaurant POS platforms
• Restaurant inventory and labor systems
• Loyalty and CRM platforms
• Online ordering and delivery integrations
• Microsoft Azure or AWS
• Microsoft 365
• Cybersecurity frameworks
• AI platforms and enterprise automation
• Business Intelligence tools
• Data warehouse architecture
• Multi-unit franchise systems