Director of IT - Restaurant Systems

SLIM CHICKENS•Fayetteville, AR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Director, IT Restaurant Systems at Slim Chickens, you're responsible for establishing the company's IT strategy and roadmap for restaurant technology, leading and project managing core restaurant technology projects, and overseeing day-to-day support, implementation, and management of the company's technology infrastructure at both the restaurant and corporate levels, including but not limited to Point of Sale, Back Office, and related systems. Slim Chickens is a fast-growing brand known for its hand-made food and bold ambition. The company values people development, real connection, and empowering employees to make decisions and own their work. This role is crucial in supporting the brand's rapid growth and taking it to the next level.

Requirements

Degree in MIS or another technology major, or an equivalent amount of training and experience.
Relevant experience managing the technology infrastructure for a company within our industry.
Proven ability to define business needs and select/install appropriate technology solutions.
Broad technology knowledge.
Strong problem-solving ability.
Proven skills providing strong internal customer service.
Proven ability to design, implement, and maintain a reliable network with strong data security.
Proven ability to work with a team to solve unique business problems with technology.
Experience in a technology role supporting business and guest-facing applications.
Appropriate technical knowledge of network equipment, laptops, operating systems, AI platforms such as Claude, mobile devices, POS, and back-office applications to support execution of business objectives.
Awareness of third-party platform integrations in the restaurant and support center environments.
Functional technical knowledge of Brink POS hardware and software.
Functional technical knowledge of cloud-based software (online ordering preferred).
Functional technical knowledge of A/V equipment supporting restaurant menu and LTO boards.
5+ years in the food and beverage industry; management experience preferred.
Technical knowledge of back-office restaurant solution systems.
Bachelor's degree in business, technology, or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in information systems technology or equivalent.
Functional technical knowledge of cloud-based software (POS preferred).

Responsibilities

Leads the IT strategy and roadmap for all restaurant technology (POS, BOH, Digital Menu Boards, Mobile App, etc.) to comprehensively plan and lead future technology initiatives and projects that meet company objectives.
Leads execution and project management of all core IT projects end to end, from initial concept and strategy through development, testing, pilot, deployment, and post-deployment support, including internal resources, contractors, and vendors.
Leads the implementation of the company's POS and Back Office technology solutions with minimal disruption to operations.
Leads and manages an IT Support Analyst team (2 FTEs) overseeing all POS and Back Office database management, including but not limited to menu items (core and LTOs), inventory, and labor management.
Collaborates with internal teams and franchisees to ensure project goals and timelines are met.
Oversees the annual PCI compliance review.
Leads deployment and management of internal IT tools (Monday.com, Claude, etc.).
Provides training, guidance, and mentorship to employees and direct reports.
Manages the IT budget.
Provides restaurant and leadership teams with ongoing support of IT platforms.
Oversees day-to-day management of all core IT platforms and restaurant technology vendors.
Establishes process and structure for IT technical support teams end to end, from troubleshooting issues to reporting metrics and performance.
Keeps detailed records of issues to help the company identify and address the sources of common problems.
Provides clear, concise communication and documentation for all teams.
Ensures IT team members are knowledgeable and fulfilling their responsibilities to end users.
Supports all new restaurant openings and remodels related to IT systems, including configuration of new locations in restaurant systems (CrunchTime, Brink).
Participates in the selection, testing, and implementation of new hardware and software platforms to support continuous improvement in the technology infrastructure for our guests.
Establishes both short-term (6–12 month) and long-term (3–5 year) roadmaps for restaurant technology.
Manages project timelines and expectations as set forth by leadership.
Proactively seeks out new technology that can give the company a competitive advantage.
Effectively evaluates how new technology will complement existing solutions and business practices.
Leads key technology projects end to end (concept, sourcing, development, pilot, deployment, and post-deployment support) to solve business problems, improve guest experience, and improve franchisee profitability.
Coordinates with department leadership to prioritize and scope solutions that fit company goals, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure project success.
Collaborates with the franchise system to ensure IT strategy and project goals are aligned and met.
Maintains and monitors corporate project management tools (Monday.com), including admin, accessibility, and vendors supplying third-party project management support.
Maintains and monitors corporate AI licenses, including admin, accessibility, and usage limits.
Assists in managing the IT budget to stay within target.
Monitors and reports any related issues or concerns.
Manages IT projects and timelines to ensure budget expectations are met.
Has a thorough understanding of Slim Chickens' established operating systems (e.g., quality, security, office environment, company policies, safety) and recognizes the responsibility to stay updated on these systems and the role this position plays in supporting them.
Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives.