Head of IT

at  Popeyes UK

At Popeyes UK we are on a mission to be the most loved QSR brand in the UK, we have very ambitious growth plans, and our tech will enhance this.
We’re looking for an innovative Head of IT to manage and elevate our tech operations across both restaurant and HQ. In this role, you’ll oversee the IT strategy, ensuring seamless new store openings, maintaining strong infrastructure, and delivering solutions that enhance the guest experience. Working closely with the CTO, you’ll also drive cybersecurity initiatives and implement cutting-edge technology to keep our systems secure and efficient.
What you’ll do here:

Restaurant & Head Office Helpdesk & Support:

• Oversee IT support services for both restaurant operations and head office, managing the team responsible for providing support and being hands on where needed.
• Drive continuous improvement of support processes to minimize downtime and optimise technology performance.

RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY:

• Implement and manage technology solutions that empower restaurant teams to focus on delivering a superior guest experience.
• Work closely with operations teams to align technology with restaurant workflows and needs.

New Restaurant Openings:

• Manage the IT process for opening 45+ new restaurants per year.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure that all new locations are equipped with the necessary IT infrastructure and systems.

Cybersecurity:

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.
• Ensure all restaurant locations and head office are protected against internal and external threats.

IT Policy Ownership:

• Maintain IT policies and procedures to ensure compliance, security, and operational efficiency.
• Lead the Change Advisory Board (CAB) to review and authorise system changes across the business.

Network Management:

• Working with our IT Ops Manager and third party to oversee the IT network infrastructure (Fortinet), ensuring continuous connectivity across all restaurants and head office locations.
• Manage network performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and implement upgrades as necessary.

What we’re looking for:

• Extensive IT leadership experience some of which within the hospitality or retail industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multi-location IT support and helpdesk services.
• Proven success in opening new retail or restaurant locations at scale.
• Deep understanding of IT systems, networks, cybersecurity, and enterprise-level infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems, cloud technologies, and data security ideally with Oracle Simphony.
• Expertise in managing IT projects from concept to execution, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and develop IT teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities, ensuring alignment between IT, operations, and leadership teams.
• Exceptional analytical skills, with a focus on root cause analysis to identify and resolve recurring IT issues.
• Ability to foresee and mitigate IT risks, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Working alongside the IT Systems Manager to implement restaurant system changes, for example menu updates and configuration changes.
• Overseeing the stock and ordering platform (Oracle Inventory Management) alongside our Systems Manager and Supply Change team, ensuring changes are made accurately and on-time.
• Working with the Head of Digital to ensure these amends are configured in accordance with our digital products; kiosk, delivery platforms and online/app channels.

Please refer the Job description for details