Director of Information Technology

Job Description

Location: Homewood, AL (Corporate Office)Reports to: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Department: Information Technology

Position Overview

Jack’s Family Restaurants is seeking a forward-thinking and operationally grounded Director/Senior Director of Information Technology to lead infrastructure, security, and restaurant technology operations across our growing QSR footprint. This individual will oversee network infrastructure, IT security, and compliance, while ensuring all technology systems — from POS to firewalls — operate reliably, securely, and at scale.

This role requires a leader with a deep understanding of the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) environment, who can balance hands-on technical expertise with strategic management. The Director/SR Director will collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, and Development to ensure technology supports and enhances both guest and employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Partner directly with the CTO to execute the company’s strategic IT roadmap, ensuring scalability, security, and uptime across all restaurant and corporate systems.
• Lead and mentor IT infrastructure, networking, and support teams to deliver consistent service and proactive issue resolution.
• Translate business goals into technology initiatives that drive efficiency, reduce downtime, and support growth.
• Oversee IT vendor relationships, ensuring accountability, performance, and cost optimization.

Infrastructure & Network Management

• Oversee all aspects of network infrastructure, including firewall, switch, and access point configuration and management (WatchGuard, Netgear, etc.).
• Ensure network redundancy, uptime, and performance across all restaurant locations and corporate sites.
• Guide the transition to modernized network standards (e.g., dual cage network designs, structured cabling, improved ISP management).
• Develop and enforce network policies, documentation, and maintenance standards.

Security & Compliance

• Lead all aspects of IT security, including endpoint protection, data security, and firewall policy management.
• Maintain and enforce PCI compliance across all restaurants, POS systems, and corporate operations.
• Implement proactive monitoring, patch management, and vulnerability mitigation programs.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to ensure compliance documentation and audits are consistently completed.

Restaurant Technology & POS Management

• Partner with internal IT resources to see the successful deployment, maintenance, and support of Point of Sale (POS) and related restaurant systems (drive-thru, kiosks, kitchen display systems, etc.).
• Partner with vendors to ensure system reliability and timely hardware exchanges.
• Work with Field Technicians and Project Techs to ensure timely rollout of technology initiatives in new and existing restaurants.
• Drive innovation in restaurant technology, balancing operational simplicity with modern capabilities.

Team & People Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing IT infrastructure team, fostering accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Operations, Construction, and Finance leaders.
• Communicate complex technical issues in business terms that drive alignment and understanding.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10 years of progressive IT leadership experience, including at least 5 years in multi-unit restaurant or retail environments.
• Proven experience managing network infrastructure, firewalls, and switch configurations in a distributed enterprise.
• Strong understanding of PCI compliance, IT security protocols, and data protection standards.
• Hands-on experience with POS systems and integration across front- and back-of-house systems.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing geographically distributed technical teams.

Technical Competencies

• Network and security expertise (WatchGuard, Netgear, Fortinet, or similar).
• Experience with POS systems (PAR Brink, SICOM or comparable).
• Experience with Ubiquity AP systems
• Familiarity with VPNs, VLANs, and network segmentation principles.
• Understanding of endpoint management, backup systems, and cloud infrastructure.
• Strong project management and vendor negotiation skills.

Soft Skills

• Clear communicator who can balance operational urgency with strategic direction.
• Hands-on leader who can both guide and roll up their sleeves when necessary.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple concurrent priorities.
• Customer service mindset, especially toward Operations and restaurant support.