Executive Director of Retail Technology

Executive Director Of Restaurant Technology

The Executive Director of Restaurant Technology leads all technology services for Potbelly, ensuring our restaurants run smoothly, efficiently, and with consistent guest experience. This role serves as the single strategic voice connecting Potbelly's business needs with RaceTrac Technology. You'll guide the strategy, delivery, and alignment of Potbelly's entire tech ecosystem while simplifying complexity, driving clarity, and ensuring all teams move forward together.

• Serve as the primary conduit between Potbelly leadership and RaceTrac Technology, ensuring priorities, messaging, and execution are unified.
• Own Potbelly's strategy full restaurant tech stack for rollouts, operating systems, back office, digital ordering integrations, Workday integrations, and financial system connections.
• Lead cross-functional communication and alignment across Operations, Digital, Data Analytics/Reporting, Menu Management, Shop Support, and Franchise leadership.
• Represent IT in Executive Leadership & Franchise Advisory Council meetings and other senior leadership forums.
• Manage key Potbelly Support functions including but not limited to Potbelly Menu Management, New Shop Openings, Field Support.
• Drive the integration and improvement of restaurant support/help desk services.
• Simplify complex technology concepts into clear, actionable communication for non-technical audiences.
• Build and manage clear, accurate budgets for Potbelly technology initiatives.
• Travel as needed to build strong relationships with field teams and franchisees.
• Partner closely with Potbelly Ops Services and other support teams to ensure smooth rollout and adoption of technology in the field.

Success Measures (First 3–6 Months)

• Build and manage clear, unified communication across Potbelly and RaceTrac Technology—one voice, one message.
• Strong partnership with Potbelly leadership, reducing operational friction and improving clarity.
• Visible improvement in restaurant support responsiveness and alignment.
• Smooth execution of any restaurant technology systems including but not limited to Toast POS, Crunchtime Backoffice, Workday HRIS & Accounting, digital & loyalty integrations.
• Establishment of predictable, transparent budgeting and planning processes.
• Trusted relationships built with franchisees, field leaders, and cross-functional partners.

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in restaurant, QSR, fast-casual, or retail technology.
• Proven leadership of restaurant technology and field support ecosystems
• Strong project and program management skills; able to lead large, cross-functional initiatives. Preferred: PMP or PMI certifications
• Exceptional communication skills—able to simplify complex topics into clear, concise messaging.
• Working knowledge of:
  • POS (TOAST preferred)
  • Back office systems (CrunchTime)
  • HRIS & Accounting Systems (Workday)
  • Digital/web/app integrations
  • Data, Analytics & Reporting tools (Power BI familiarity)
  • Key Operating Systems impacting shop, field and Franchisees
• Strong financial acumen; able to build and manage clean, accurate budgets.
• Ability to work in a shared-services environment and influence without direct authority.
• Willingness to travel to shops and franchise locations as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Experience supporting company and franchise organizations.
• Background in multi-brand or shared-services technology leadership.
• Experience leading help desk or restaurant support transitions.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations and guest experience drivers.

Who You'll Work With

• Potbelly Senior Leadership
• RaceTrac Technology leadership
• Potbelly Operations & Ops Services
• Digital/Web/App teams
• Data & Reporting
• Finance & HR
• Franchise Advisory Council
• Part of a team that values collaboration, communication, and doing what's right for the guest.

Qualifications:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with RaceTrac without regard to their race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.