Manager, Operations Technology (IHOP)

Dine Brands•Pasadena, CA

49d•$120,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Ops Technology is a key leader within IHOP's Restaurant Excellence team - driving operational transformation through technology. This role ensures our in-restaurant tech stack is optimized, reliable, and future-ready to unlock new levels of performance for franchisees. You'll partner with IT, Operations, and cross-functional teams to deliver scalable technology solutions that improve efficiency, enhance guest experience, and simplify operations. This position reports to the Head of Restaurant Innovation.

Requirements

Proven ability to leverage technology and data to diagnose operational challenges and partner with cross-functional teams to design scalable, real-world solutions.
Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills, with experience driving initiatives from concept to field validation and rollout.
Ability to translate complex operational problems into actionable, measurable improvement plans.
Comfort navigating ambiguity, simplifying complexity, and driving clarity in fast-paced environments.
A bias for action, ownership, and continuous improvement.
A collaborative mindset and the ability to influence at all levels - from field operators to senior leadership - through clear, data-informed storytelling.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Operations, or a related field.
Minimum 7+ years of experience in technology operations, including 2+ years in a leadership role managing a division's technology stack.
Familiarity with restaurant tech stacks and integration points.
Should be with fluent with all components of tech stack including what is currently deployed and what are potential alternatives - including POS systems, kitchen display systems, credit card processors, financial reporting, loyalty platforms, labor scheduling tools, digital ordering platforms
Deep understanding of restaurant operations, labor and cost levers, and performance drivers.
Proven ability to identify and execute efficiency improvements through technology enhancements
Skilled at diagnosing root causes, interpreting data, and building actionable solution plans
Demonstrated success in managing and developing high-performing teams.
Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with the ability to influence both senior leaders and field operators
Experience working with external technology partners on building roadmaps that align with brand vision
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, cross-functional, in-office environment while also engaging directly with field teams.
Willingness to travel 20% to stay connected to frontline realities

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for candidates with experience in restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit retail environments

Responsibilities

Optimize In-Restaurant Tech Stack
Partner with Tech to evolve restaurant systems, including Tablets, POS, KDS, Payments, Reporting, third-party integrations, and Learning & Development platforms.
Diagnose and resolve operational pain points by applying deep restaurant operations knowledge to tech challenges.
Lead tech onboarding for new restaurant openings and ownership transitions, ensuring seamless setup and activation.
Kitchen Display System (KDS) Implementation & Production Optimization
Lead the development and deployment of KDS logic across IHOP restaurants, including routing, order sequencing, and time-based firing to optimize kitchen flow and accuracy.
Partner with Tech and Ops teams to configure and validate system logic that supports diverse menu combinations and order modes.
Analyze KDS performance data (ticket times, order accuracy, cook times) to identify improvement opportunities and translate insights into actionable operational changes.
Build ROI and impact models to quantify performance gains and support data-driven investment decisions.
Support on Tech Operations needs
Partner with IT to rapidly resolve incoming technology concerns flagged by restaurants
Voice of the Operator & Strategic Tech Leadership
Act as a fierce advocate for franchisees and restaurant teams.
Proactively identify pain points, resolve issues with urgency, and ensure systems align with real-world operational needs.
Drive the rollout of new platforms and tools-from ideation and proof of concept to testing and deployment (e.g., new tablet programs).
Collaborate across Brand, IT, and Operations to implement technologies that elevate guest experience and operator efficiency.
Influence stakeholders at all levels to ensure alignment and momentum.
Operate Like an Entrepreneur
Experiment, iterate, and move fast.
Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, constantly seeking ways to improve system performance and unlock new value.