Group Technology Leader - Restaurant Systems & Operations Technology

Hire Resolve; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Hire Resolve is seeking a Group Technology Leader to oversee technology across South Africa, Cyprus, the UK and other markets, driving data, AI and security initiatives for restaurants and head offices. The role covers infrastructure, restaurant systems, analytics, and customer-facing technology, with a focus on governance and measurable value.

The successful candidate will lead a multi-territory technology strategy, standardise platforms, advance AI adoption, and partner with executive

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years leading technology, data and reporting.
• Experience in multi-territory hospitality/retail environments.
• Proven track record delivering AI/digital transformation initiatives with measurable business value.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a global technology, data and AI strategy.
• Standardise systems, data and processes across the group.
• Oversee restaurant technology and Cloud POS rollout.
• Own data platform and reporting framework (Azure/Databricks/Power BI).
• Lead AI adoption and governance; build internal capabilities.
• Manage infrastructure, security, compliance and audits.
• Lead budget, vendor management and contracts.
• Develop technology talent and partner with leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy development

Data governance

AI & automation

Cloud platforms

Business partnering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Systems/CS/Engineering

Honours/MBA advantageous

Tools

Azure

Databricks

Power BI

SQL

IT GRC frameworks

Job description

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.

Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.