Head of Restaurants IT at Spur Corporation

Job Advert Summary    

The Head of Restaurant IT serves as a strategic IT business partner with our Group’s restaurant leadership and has the overall responsibility within IT for the purpose of Restaurant technology strategy development, solution discovery, service management, risk management and relationship management. This is a senior role within IT and will report directly to the Chief Information Officer. The IT leader serves as the business relationship link between Spur Corp brands and IT and provides highly valued consulting level support and guidance through key IT initiatives. They communicate decisions, priorities and relevant technology development information to appropriate levels of staff regarding business unit requests and initiatives. They proactively share knowledge of restaurant and technology risks and opportunities to build competitive advantage through technology for restaurant franchisees.

Minimum Requirements    

Qualifications and Experience:

• BCom/Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology management and computer engineering.
• Masters degree preferred
• A strong background in restaurant or retail IT would be highly recommended.
• 10+ years of appropriate leadership experience (Restaurant or Retail Operations, IT Management)
• Preferred experience in restaurant, retail and/or eCommerce in South Africa.
• Strong understanding of the application side of technology (e.g. Point of Sale, eCommerce, Back of House).
• Experience leading process improvement efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities    

• Responsible for the development and implementation of restaurant solution roadmaps.
• Ensure successful technology-driven advantages in restaurants and with customers.
• Proactively work with restaurant leadership and strategic vendors to build and grow the restaurant platform of the future for franchisees.
• Develop solution concepts and business cases for new investments.
• Ensures end-to-end operational IT services are provided across the restaurants through SLAs and active monitoring and management.
• Leads the IT restaurant team and provides mentorship, guidance, and support.
• Leads with data-centric business process improvements.
• Perform initial business analysis in conjunction with the Business and IT and prepare recommendations and business plans as needed.
• Create and analyze relevant information and develop recommendations and present to senior management.
• Oversee the launch of solutions and help to maximize the positive impact across the group
• Identify, screen and evaluate new solution opportunities to address unmet (internal and external) customer needs.
• Partner with key staff members to create strategic business plans.
• Uses strong analytical skills, including an understanding of business operations, process, financial cases, and financial resources.

Skills and Competencies:

• Creative problem-solving skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Well organized and detail-oriented
• Strong time management and planning skills
• Ability to adapt to change quickly
• Ability to work under pressure and meet established timelines
• Ability to work independently – must be self-motivated