Group Technology Manager

Network Finance; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a Group Technology Leader to shape and execute technology, data, and AI strategy across international territories. You will lead technology operations, restaurant systems, data and reporting, cybersecurity, and digital innovation, partnering with executives, franchise partners, and vendors to deliver measurable business value.

You will guide large-scale transformations, build high-performing teams, and drive AI adoption while ensuring governance and compliance across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in technology, data, reporting and operational systems.
• Experience leading technology teams and outsourcing providers.
• Experience in hospitality/restaurant/retail/franchise/multi-site environments.
• Experience with international operations and multi-territory management.
• Proven digital transformation, AI, automation and innovation track record.
• Experience presenting to executives and boards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Group technology, data, and AI strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead enterprise technology transformation initiatives and roadmap delivery.
• Drive standardisation of systems, processes, and data across international markets.
• Oversee restaurant technology including POS, payments, digital menus, ordering platforms.
• Lead large-scale technology implementation and systems rollout projects.
• Own data strategy, reporting frameworks, BI platforms, and analytics capabilities.
• Drive AI adoption, governance, automation, and innovation initiatives.
• Oversee CRM, loyalty, mobile apps, and digital customer engagement platforms.
• Manage technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and compliance.
• Lead budgeting, vendor management, contract negotiations, and tech decisions.
• Build, mentor and develop high-performing technology teams.
• Present technology strategies and progress to executive leadership.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems / Computer Science / Engineering

Honours / Masters / MBA (advantageous)

Tools

Azure

Microsoft Fabric

Databricks

Power BI

SQL

Data Modelling

AI Solutions

Power Automate

Microsoft 365

Networking & Security

Disaster Recovery

API Integrations

Job description

Join a globally recognised brand where technology is a key enabler of business success. As the Group Technology Leader, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the organisation's technology, data, and AI strategy across multiple international territories.

This executive-level role encompasses leadership of technology operations, restaurant systems, customer-facing platforms, data and reporting, cybersecurity, digital innovation, and AI adoption initiatives. You will work closely with executive leadership, operational teams, franchise partners, and external vendors to ensure technology delivers measurable business value while supporting a scalable and future-ready environment.

This opportunity is ideal for a strategic technology leader who can balance innovation with operational excellence while building high-performing teams and driving transformation across a complex international business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the Group technology, data, and AI strategy aligned with business objectives
• Lead enterprise technology transformation initiatives and roadmap delivery
• Drive standardisation of systems, processes, and data across international markets
• Oversee restaurant technology, including POS, payments, digital menus, ordering platforms, networking, and customer-facing technologies
• Lead large-scale technology implementation and systems rollout projects
• Own data strategy, reporting frameworks, business intelligence platforms, and analytics capabilities
• Drive AI adoption, governance, automation, and innovation initiatives across the business
• Oversee CRM, loyalty, mobile applications, and digital customer engagement platforms
• Manage technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and compliance frameworks
• Lead technology budgeting, vendor management, contract negotiations, and commercial technology decisions
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing technology teams
• Present technology strategies, business cases, and progress updates to executive leadership and stakeholders

Job Experience and Skills Required:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Advantageous: Honours Degree, Master's Degree, or MBA
• Certifications: Microsoft Azure, Data, AI, or related technology certifications advantageous
• Experience:
  • Minimum 10 years' experience managing technology, data, reporting, and operational systems
  • Proven experience leading technology teams and managing outsourced service providers
  • Experience within hospitality, restaurant, retail, franchise, or multi-site operational environments
  • Experience managing international operations and multi-territory environments
  • Demonstrated success delivering digital transformation, AI, automation, and innovation initiatives
  • Experience presenting to executive leadership teams and boards
• Technical Skills:
  • POS Systems, Payments, Loyalty Platforms, CRM, and Digital Customer Solutions
  • Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Power BI, SQL, and Data Modelling
  • AI Solutions, Automation, AI Governance, and Power Automate
  • Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, Networking, Security, and Disaster Recovery
  • API Integrations and Enterprise Systems Integration
  • IT Governance, Risk Management, POPIA, GDPR, and Cybersecurity Frameworks
  • Project and Service Management Methodologies
• Additional Requirements:
  • Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen
  • Executive-level communication and presentation skills
  • Proven leadership and people-development capabilities
  • Strong vendor negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  • Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and technology enablement
  • Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required