Director, IT Strategy & Governance

Director, IT Strategy & Governance

Location:

Coppell, TX

Join Brinker International to lead the technology strategy and governance for our restaurant brands, Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. You will define, develop, and execute the technology roadmap, ensuring alignment between technology investments and business priorities while fostering relationships with strategic partners and vendors.

The Director of IT Strategy & Governance will be responsible for defining, developing, and executing the technology roadmap. This role ensures alignment between technology investments and business priorities while fostering strong relationships with strategic partners and vendors. The Director will lead 2–3 direct reports, drive innovation, governance and strategic decision‑making across the organization. The position is highly collaborative, working closely with cross‑functional teams, brand leaders and executive stakeholders to ensure technology enables operational success and long‑term business growth.

• Technology Strategy & Roadmap
  • Develop and maintain the technology strategy aligned with corporate and brand objectives.
  • Identify emerging trends and evaluate innovative solutions that enhance guest experience, streamline operations, and improve profitability.
  • Partner with executive leadership to define technology priorities and investment plans.
  • Lead the business case development for new enterprise‑wide technology initiatives.
• Governance & Portfolio Management
  • Establish governance frameworks for technology initiatives, ensuring compliance, security and scalability.
  • Oversee the prioritization and execution of technology projects, balancing enterprise and brand needs.
  • Monitor ROI and performance of technology investments, providing regular updates to leadership.
  • Develop and own a resource allocation model for the IT organization that ensures resources are allocated effectively on business priorities.
• Vendor & Partner Management
  • Build and manage strategic relationships with key technology vendors and service providers.
  • Negotiate contracts, manage performance and ensure vendors deliver on SLAs and value commitments.
  • Evaluate and onboard new technology partners that support business innovation.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing team of 2–3 direct reports, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
  • Promote continuous learning and professional development within the technology team.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to brand leaders and functional teams on technology‑related initiatives.
  • Partner with Operations, Finance, Marketing and other departments to ensure technology supports brand‑specific and enterprise‑wide goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in IT leadership, with at least 5 years in a strategic or director‑level role.
• Experience in the restaurant, hospitality or retail industry strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise technology strategies.
• Strong understanding of restaurant technology ecosystems (POS, loyalty, digital ordering, data platforms).
• Exceptional vendor negotiation and partner management skills.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align technology initiatives to financial outcomes.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a fast‑paced environment.

At Brinker, we believe life is short, so we work happy! That means creating an environment where you can grow your career, feel a sense of belonging and wellbeing and have fun along the way.

• Flexibility that fits your life:
  Hybrid schedules with weekly flex days to work from home.
• Competitive benefits: medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid vacation and holidays, 401(k) with company match, Employee Assistance Program, and Best You EDU tuition reimbursement.
• Enjoy our brands:
  Generous dining discounts at Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®.
• Rewards for your impact:
  Annual bonus eligibility.
• Wellbeing at work:
  On‑site gym and fitness classes like yoga and boot camp.
• A culture worth celebrating:
  Company‑wide events, casual, collaborative atmosphere to connect, work hard and play hard.

Check our Careers page and Linked In for more exciting opportunities!