Group Technology Leader - Restaurant Systems & Operations Technology

A leading restaurant chain is looking for a Group Technology Leader to join their team in Midrand, GP.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…