At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology strategy for Chipotle's European restaurants and optimise systems for growth.
- Company: Join Chipotle, a leader in innovative fast food with a mission for better food accessibility.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to shape the future of food tech.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to sustainability and innovation in the food industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on restaurant technology and enhance guest experiences across Europe.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in tech leadership, strong understanding of restaurant systems, and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 € per year.
Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We are changing the face of fast food, starting conversations, and directly supporting efforts to shift the future of farming and food. We hope you will join us as we continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission to make better food accessible to everyone.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Head of Technology & Restaurant Systems is responsible for defining and delivering the end-to-end technology strategy for the European business. This role ensures that Chipotle’s global technology platforms are effectively localised, scaled, and optimised to support growth, operational excellence, and strong financial performance across the region. Reporting into the Managing Director for Europe, this role owns restaurant technology across Front of House (FOH), Back of House (BOH), digital channels, and field IT operations, ensuring systems are robust, compliant, and continuously improving. The role will lead strategic technology initiatives, oversee hardware and processes, and manage field technology teams to enable great team member and guest experiences.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Define and execute the European restaurant technology strategy in alignment with global Chipotle standards and European business priorities.
- Lead the localisation and deployment of Chipotle’s technology platforms to enable scalable growth across multiple European markets.
- Act as the senior technology partner to Operations, Finance, People, and Digital teams.
- Own the strategic roadmap for restaurant systems including POS, BOH systems, kitchen display systems, networking, and in-restaurant hardware.
- Lead major rollouts and upgrades of BOH and FOH technologies, ensuring minimal disruption to restaurant operations.
- Drive strategic initiatives around the Chipotle app and digital ecosystem, working closely with global and regional digital teams.
Operational Excellence & P&L Impact
- Optimise technology to deliver measurable efficiencies, cost savings, and productivity improvements that positively impact the P&L.
- Ensure technology solutions improve speed of service, accuracy, labour efficiency, and overall restaurant performance.
- Establish KPIs and reporting to track technology performance, uptime, and return on investment.
Compliance, Security & Reliability
- Ensure compliance with all relevant technology, data security, and regulatory requirements across European markets.
- Own technology governance, risk management, and incident response for restaurant systems.
- Maintain and continuously improve hardware standards, lifecycle management, and support processes.
Team Leadership & Tech Capability Building
- Lead, coach, and develop the IT Field Analyst team, setting clear priorities and performance expectations.
- Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes for all technology equipment and access for new hires.
- Build scalable support models to ensure restaurants receive timely, high quality technology support as the estate grows.
- Manage key technology vendors and service providers, ensuring strong performance, value for money, and alignment to business needs.
- Partner with global technology teams to influence roadmap decisions and represent European requirements so that we can align, where it makes sense, and optimise our tech ecosystem.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE
- At least 10 years of senior technology leadership experience within restaurants, hospitality, retail, or multisite operations.
- Strong understanding of restaurant technology ecosystems, including POS, BOH systems, digital ordering, and instore hardware.
- Proven experience localising and scaling global technology platforms across multiple countries.
- Demonstrated ability to link technology initiatives to operational efficiency and financial outcomes.
- Experience leading field-based IT or technology support teams.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at executive level.
- Solid understanding of technology compliance, security, and risk management.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, guest obsessed mindset.
- Calm, resilient, and effective in fast paced, operational environments.
- Collaborative leader who builds trust across functions and geographies.
WHO WE ARE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are 4000 Chipotle restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Kuwait and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on Fortune's Most Admired Companies 2024 list and Time Magazine's Most Influential Companies. With over 120,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices.
Head of Technology & Restaurant Systems employer: CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL UK LIMITED
Chipotle is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the fast-food industry, offering a dynamic work culture where technology and operational excellence are at the forefront. Employees benefit from robust growth opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of food across Europe. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on creating a positive guest experience, Chipotle stands out as a leader in both the culinary and technological realms.
Contact Detail:
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL UK LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technology & Restaurant Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend tech meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your tech projects and achievements. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for technology in the restaurant sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Chipotle’s tech initiatives and thinking about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can help optimise their systems and drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Chipotle team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technology & Restaurant Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food and Tech:When you're writing your application, let your love for food and technology shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to change the fast-food game. Make it personal and relatable!
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience in restaurant technology and how you've successfully localised tech platforms before. We’re looking for specific examples that show you can drive operational excellence.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your achievements and skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL UK LIMITED
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of restaurant technology ecosystems, especially POS and BOH systems. Be ready to discuss how you've localised and scaled technology platforms in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and relevance to the position.
✨Link Tech to Business Outcomes
Prepare examples of how your technology initiatives have directly impacted operational efficiency and financial performance. This will demonstrate your ability to connect tech strategies with real-world results, which is crucial for the Head of Technology role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience leading field-based IT teams. Highlight your coaching and development strategies, as well as how you've built trust across functions. Chipotle values collaborative leaders, so make sure to convey your team-oriented mindset.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the fast-paced nature of the restaurant industry, it's important to showcase your resilience and calmness in challenging situations. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully navigated high-pressure environments while maintaining operational excellence.
