Executive Director of Retail Technology

RaceTrac•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Executive Director of Restaurant Technology leads all technology services for Potbelly, ensuring our restaurants run smoothly, efficiently, and with consistent guest experience. This role serves as the single strategic voice connecting Potbelly’s business needs with RaceTrac Technology. You’ll guide the strategy, delivery, and alignment of Potbelly’s entire tech ecosystem while simplifying complexity, driving clarity, and ensuring all teams move forward together.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in restaurant, QSR, fast‑casual, or retail technology.
Proven leadership of restaurant technology and field support ecosystems
Strong project and program management skills; able to lead large, cross‑functional initiatives.
Exceptional communication skills—able to simplify complex topics into clear, concise messaging.
Working knowledge of: POS (TOAST preferred)
Back office systems (CrunchTime)
HRIS & Accounting Systems (Workday)
Digital/web/app integrations
Data, Analytics & Reporting tools (Power BI familiarity)
Key Operating Systems impacting shop, field and Franchisees
Strong financial acumen; able to build and manage clean, accurate budgets.
Ability to work in a shared‑services environment and influence without direct authority.
Willingness to travel to shops and franchise locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

PMP or PMI certifications
Experience supporting company and franchise organizations.
Background in multi‑brand or shared‑services technology leadership.
Experience leading help desk or restaurant support transitions.
Strong understanding of restaurant operations and guest experience drivers.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the strategic roadmap for retail and guest-facing technology, aligning with broader enterprise IT and business objectives.
Lead the planning, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of hardware systems to ensure optimal store operations and guest experiences.
Serve as the subject matter expert for all store and guest-facing technology solutions, including prototypes, traditional stores, and travel centers.
Build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships to identify opportunities to leverage technology for business results.
Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Provide visible leadership in senior forums, including SLT meetings, Town Halls, and franchise/field communications (e.g., FAC meetings and calls).
Drive process improvements, innovation, and operational efficiencies by introducing new technology applications in collaboration with business leadership.
Manage vendor relationships, including procurement, implementation, service agreements, and ongoing support to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness.
Oversee departmental budgets, including staffing, service contracts, and hardware expenditures, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards for hardware, software, and network operations.
Provide IT management with forward-looking plans to maintain and evolve store technology systems, including network infrastructure, security, and hardware lifecycle management.
Participate in the development of the IT strategic plan and contribute to the annual IT budget.
Oversee enterprise-wide projects, providing direction on project structure, staffing, budgets, plans, and reporting to senior IT leadership.
Develop and maintain succession plans and professional development programs to ensure team growth and readiness.
Monitor emerging industry trends, hardware innovations, and technology best practices to maintain a competitive advantage in store operations.
Act as an enterprise leader, helping shape the overall direction and success of the organization.