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- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and operations, ensuring tech aligns with business goals.
- Company: Join LEON, a pioneering brand in naturally fast food that's good for you and the planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, remote work options, and a generous food discount.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in tech systems management, especially in hospitality or retail, is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking team with access to extensive learning resources.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking IT & Systems Strategy Manager to drive our IT operations and the development of a robust technology strategy that supports our business objectives. This is a newly created and highly autonomous role, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of our IT operations and play a key role in our digital transformation journey. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will oversee the design, implementation and maintenance of our IT infrastructure, ensuring that all technology solutions are seamlessly aligned with organisational goals. Whilst the foundation is to ensure our IT systems are operationally simple and robust, scoping and working with third party suppliers to push the boundaries of hospitality technology will be encouraged.
This position requires a blend of independent thinking, strategic planning and vendor management skills, coupled with a hands-on approach when testing and implementing change or otherwise necessary. The ideal candidate will be curious, with a deep understanding of both current and emerging technologies. They will possess a strong grasp of how data flows across systems and work with our key technology vendors to ensure that the organisation’s IT ecosystem remains secure, efficient and scalable.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Oversee the organisation’s IT infrastructure to ensure scalability, performance, security and cost-effectiveness.
- Align IT budgeting with business goals in partnership with the MD and Finance Manager.
- Ensure robust data security, backup and disaster recovery processes.
- Maintain compliance with GDPR, regulatory standards and internal policies.
- Develop and execute IT strategies and a long-term technology roadmap that supports growth and innovation.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure IT initiatives support wider business objectives.
- Report on IT performance, risks and key projects to senior management.
- Conduct IT risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
- Partner with vendors to maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- Oversee vendor performance and enforce SLA compliance.
- Lead training initiatives and ensure system updates are communicated effectively.
- Manage customer-facing technologies (POS, online ordering, apps) to ensure seamless functionality.
- Ensure data integrity and streamline data flow across systems.
- Produce performance reports with actionable insights in collaboration with finance.
- Benchmark IT performance against industry standards.
- Drive digital transformation to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Recommend emerging technologies, including AI and automation for business enhancement.
- Manage third-party vendor relationships and support system upgrades and rollouts.
- Optimise IT systems (e.g., EPOS, KDS, apps) for reliability and efficiency.
- Lead infrastructure management, cybersecurity and IT support frameworks.
- Act as the primary technology liaison for franchisees and internal teams.
- Support cross-functional collaboration on system integration and marketing automation.
- Align franchisee tech needs with corporate strategy to support franchising excellence.
Candidate Requirements:
- Proven experience in technology systems management, preferably with a QSR, hospitality or retail background.
- Practical understanding of F&B operations, including stock-taking, ordering and reporting.
- Skilled in evaluating third-party partnerships and managing contracts.
- Strong technical expertise in EPOS and restaurant technology systems.
- Advanced data analysis, reporting and problem-solving capabilities.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Benefits & Rewards:
- A role at the heart of a leading international brand with a dynamic and forward-thinking team.
- As much LEON food as you can eat, plus 60% food discount for your friends & family when you’re not working.
- 33 Days Holiday (including bank holidays).
- 1 Day Work from Home.
- Performance Based Bonus Scheme.
- Bupa Healthcare.
- Company Pension.
- Free Eye Test.
- Casual Dress.
- Employee Life Assurance.
- Smart Health - 24/7 online GP access, health checks and health and wellbeing support.
- Employee Assistance Programme - access to our Wellbeing Centre which offers emotional & practical support including free financial advice.
- Learning & Development - access to our Learning Hub, the most extensive online course library in the world to support you with every step of your career.
At LEON we want to make it easy for everyone to eat and live well. We serve naturally fast food that’s good for you and kind to the planet.
Contact Detail:
LEON Restaurants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT & Systems Strategy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT and systems management, especially within the hospitality sector. Understanding how emerging technologies like AI and automation can enhance business operations will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the hospitality technology space. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the challenges they face, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and implemented IT strategies in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to drive LEON's digital transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Research LEON’s current technology stack and any recent initiatives they've undertaken. Being knowledgeable about their systems and how you can contribute to their goals will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace IT & Systems Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT systems management, particularly in the hospitality or retail sectors. Emphasise your strategic planning skills and any hands-on experience with technology implementation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and how your background aligns with LEON's mission. Mention specific technologies you have worked with and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical expertise in areas such as EPOS systems, data analysis, and vendor management. Use examples from previous roles to demonstrate your problem-solving capabilities and how you've driven digital transformation.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or managed vendor relationships to achieve business objectives.
How to prepare for a job interview at LEON Restaurants
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the IT & Systems Strategy Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as overseeing IT infrastructure and aligning technology strategies with business goals. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your technical skills in detail, especially regarding EPOS and restaurant technology systems. Highlight any relevant projects where you've successfully implemented or managed technology solutions, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the role's demands.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Since this role involves strategic planning, come equipped with examples of how you've developed and executed IT strategies in the past. Discuss your approach to aligning IT initiatives with broader business objectives, showcasing your ability to think critically and strategically.
✨Prepare for Vendor Management Questions
Given the importance of vendor relationships in this role, be ready to discuss your experience in managing third-party partnerships. Prepare examples that illustrate your negotiation skills and how you've ensured compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) in previous roles.
