Johannesburg: IT Executive (QSR) – KZN

About the Role

The Johannesburg-based IT Executive (QSR) will provide strategic leadership and governance of all information technology functions across the Group, ensuring scalable, secure and efficient IT systems that support Head Office, Distribution Centre, restaurant stores and multi-brand expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• IT Strategy & Digital Transformation: Develop and execute IT strategy aligned to group growth
• Enable scalable solutions for new store rollouts and brand expansion
• Drive digital innovation (ordering platforms, automation, analytics)
• Retail & Store Technology Enablement: Ensure reliability and performance of POS, payments and store systems
• Standardize technology across all restaurant locations
• Support franchise and multi-brand operational models
• Supply Chain & Distribution Systems: Oversee IT systems supporting warehouse and logistics operations
• Improve inventory accuracy and supply chain efficiency
• Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance: Implement cybersecurity frameworks and risk mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with data protection and payment regulations (PCI-DSS)
• Maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans
• IT Operations & Service Delivery: Ensure high system availability and service delivery across all sites
• Oversee IT support structures (helpdesk and field services)
• Maintain service levels and operational continuity
• Data, Analytics & Customer Experience: Enable data-driven decision-making across the business
• Oversee reporting, BI tools and customer engagement platforms
• Support digital customer experience initiatives
• Financial Management & Cost Control: Develop and manage IT budgets
• Optimize technology costs and vendor spend
• Ensure return on investment for IT initiatives
• Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Lead and develop IT teams across all business units
• Engage with executive leadership and operational stakeholders
• Support integration of new brands and business units

Requirements

• Real-time Problem Solving: Ability to immediately diagnose tech-related bottlenecks in ordering or delivery, particularly during peak hours
• Strategic Planning: Balancing cost control with technology investments that improve long-term competitiveness
• Risk Management: Evaluating the security risks of third-party delivery apps versus building proprietary platforms
• Prioritization: Prioritizing system functionality and user experience to improve both operating costs and customer satisfaction
• Innovation: AI and Automation: Deploy AI-powered, voice-enabled drive-thrus and robotic kitchen equipment to reduce labour costs, increase accuracy, and speed up service times.
• Digital Ordering Ecosystems: Integrate mobile apps, kiosks, and third-party delivery platforms into a single, seamless channel that links directly to the KDS, reducing human error and boosting order accuracy
• Data-Driven Operations : Utilize advanced analytics to predict customer demand, optimize inventory management, and adjust staffing in real-time, reducing waste and improving profitability
• Customer Personalization: Implement personalized loyalty programs and digital menu boards that update in real-time to increase upsells, social media interaction, and return visits
• Robust IT Infrastructure: Ensure high-speed connectivity and security to support contactless payments, cloud computing, and cybersecurity measures to protect customer data
• Sustainability Technologies: Adopt digital inventory tracking to minimize food waste and invest in eco-friendly, automated equipment to meet sustainability goals

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology / Computer Science MBA or Postgraduate qualification (preferred) ITIL / COBIT Cloud certifications (AWS / Azure) Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM) Project Management (PMP / PRINCE2)

Salary & Benefits