Johannesburg: IT Executive (QSR) – KZN posted by OttoBauthentic

About the Role

The Role: To provide strategic leadership and governance of all information technology functions across the Group, ensuring scalable, secure and efficient IT system that support Head Office, Distribution Centre, restaurant stores and multi-brand expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• 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)
• Ensure reliability and performance of POS, payments and store systems
• Standardize technology across all restaurant locations
• Support franchise and multi-brand operational models
• Oversee IT systems supporting warehouse and logistics operations
• Ensure integration between suppliers, DC and stores
• Improve inventory accuracy and supply chain efficiency
• Implement cybersecurity frameworks and risk mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with data protection and payment regulations (PCI-DSS)
• Maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans
• Ensure high system availability and service delivery across all sites
• Oversee IT support structures (helpdesk and field services)
• Maintain service levels and operational continuity
• Enable data-driven decision-making across the business
• Oversee reporting, BI tools and customer engagement platforms
• Support digital customer experience initiatives
• Develop and manage IT budgets
• Optimize technology costs and vendor spend
• Ensure return on investment for IT initiatives
• 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

• 10-15 years IT experience
• Minimum 5-7 years in senior/executive IT leadership
• Proven experience in multi-site retail, QSR, or franchise environments
• Demonstrated success in digital transformation and IT strategy execution
• Problem-Solving and Analysis:
• Real-Time System Reliability: Ensuring POS, kitchen display systems (KDS), and payment systems operate 24/7.
• Data Analytics and Inventory Management: Using data from POS systems to solve inventory wastage and predict demand.
• Integrating Technology Stack: Connecting disparate systems (ordering apps, kiosks, inventory) into a unified cloud-based platform for seamless operations
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Protecting customer payment information and personal data.
• Employee Technology Training: Solving adoption issues by implementing intuitive, user-friendly systems and providing training to ensure staff can use new technology to improve performance
• Preventive Maintenance: Proactively fixing potential IT failures before they cause operational chaos, particularly for self-service kiosks and mobile ordering apps

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)