Summary

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Director of Information Technology (IT) to lead the technology strategy and infrastructure for a rapidly scaling franchise and hospitality organization. This role requires a unique blend of technology leadership, franchise operations expertise, and hands-on oversight of nationwide IT systems.

The Director of IT will be responsible for enterprise systems, security, compliance, POS (Point of Sales) and franchise technology platforms, vendor management, and both unit-level and corporate IT operations. Candidates should have proven success managing IT in multi-unit restaurant or retail environments, leading large-scale rollouts, and building scalable, secure technology ecosystems that support franchising growth.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesTechnology Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute a scalable IT roadmap aligned with corporate and franchise expansion.
Partner with leadership to ensure IT supports operations, finance, marketing, and customer experience.
Lead vendor and contract negotiations for IT services, POS systems, enterprise resource planning systems (ERP), and franchise management platforms (FranConnect).

Security & Compliance

Oversee payment card industry (PCI) compliance nationwide via Heartland Payment Systems (corporate office and all franchise units).
Maintain fire/burglar alarm systems (ADT/Protection 1 Services).
Manage and monitor firewall and antivirus software (Webroot) across all corporate and franchise devices.
Ensure data security through regular backups of corporate servers, POS systems, and unitlevel office computers.
Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning across all IT functions.

Unit-Level Technology Operations

Manage drivethru systems (HM Electronics) and ensure proper maintenance.
Oversee video surveillance and CCTV (HikVision NVR & cameras), verifying camera functionality and DVR recordings.
Ensure all credit card machines (Heartland Payment Systems) are operational.
Conduct point of sale system checkups at each unit (CRS and Aloha, soon to be Toast), maintaining consistent layouts, pricing, and equipment upgrades.
Maintain unitlevel telephone and voicemail systems (Momentum Telecomm).
Monitor network/WiFi, computers, printers, and music systems at each unit.
Ensure physical security technology (keypads, alarms) is maintained and operational.

Corporate IT Operations

Oversee corporate office network, WiFi, and server health.
Manage corporate email systems, desktops, laptops, and printers.
Maintain and secure corporate website (WPEngine) with regular updates, backups, and malware protection.
Administer corporate time clocks and integrations with HR/payroll platforms (Paychex, talentReef).
Approve and monitor IT accounts payable invoices.

Telecommunications & Mobility

Manage mobile phones (AT&T & Verizon), VoIP and PBX systems (Momentum Telecom), and cellular failover services.
Research and recommend improvements in coverage, cost, and reliability for franchise and corporate communications.

Vendor & Platform Integrations

Administer talentReef integrations with Paychex Flex and related HR applications.
Ensure all franchise HR/operations technology platforms are configured with full feature sets enabled.
Oversee ERP/CRM selection and rollout across corporate and franchise networks.

Innovation & Special Projects

Lead new technology pilots in automation, AIdriven analytics, and advanced restaurant operations systems.
Provide new software education to corporate staff and franchisees when rolling out upgrades or new features.

Leadership & Support

Hire, train, and manage IT staff supporting corporate and franchise operations.
Provide franchisees with onboarding, training, and compliance support for all IT systems.
Serve as the primary liaison between executive leadership and IT vendors, ensuring servicelevel agreements are met.

Skills and Competencies

Expert knowledge of restaurant and franchise IT systems, including POS, ERP, and loyalty platforms.
Strong background in cybersecurity, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance, and data privacy.
Proficiency in cloud architecture, networking, and infrastructure scaling.
Handson familiarity with surveillance, drivethru, telecom, and security technologies.
Proven success with enterprisescale rollouts (POS conversions, ERP/CRM implementations).
Ability to translate technical systems into business value for executives and franchisees.
Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills.
Ability to shop new technology to stay current with industry standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Master’s in Science, or related field.
Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Information Systems) preferred.
710+ years of IT leadership experience, with 35 years in multiunit restaurant, retail, or hospitality IT.
Proven success managing nationwide franchise or retail IT operations.
Experience with vendor management and largescale IT system integrations.

Preferred Experience

Experience with gourmet, artisan, made from scratch brands where flawless service and customer experience are critical.
National or international franchise expansion experience.
Crossfunctional collaboration with operations, marketing, and finance to align IT with brand growth.
Familiarity with facilities and maintenance platforms (ResQ, ServiceChannel).
Exposure to advanced automation/robotics in food production.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a corporate headquarters setting, with regular interaction across all franchise units. Standard office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though evening or weekend work may be required to support rollouts or critical incidents. Occasional travel (up to 50%) will be required to visit franchise locations, vendors, or industry conferences.

Why Join Us

LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee Is a Fast-growing Franchise And Hospitality Group Redefining Premium Customer Experiences Through World-class Service And Innovative Technology. As Director Of IT, You’ll Have The Opportunity To

Shape the technology backbone of a nationwide, multientity organization.
Lead cuttingedge initiatives in cybersecurity, automation, and franchise systems.
Influence brand strategy and customer engagement through IT innovations.
Work in a collaborative leadership culture that values accountability and innovation.
Earn competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth tied to company success.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

LaMar's Donuts and Coffee

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