Manager, Digital & Technology Operations (IHOP)

Based inPasadena, California,Dine Brands Global, Inc.(NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries, franchises restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP and Fuzzy's Taco Shop brands. With over 3,500 restaurants combined in 18 countries and 354 franchisees as of December 31, 2023, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company's website located atwww.dinebrands.com.

Job Location Type

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The Manager, Digital & Tech Operations is a pivotal leader within IHOP's Restaurant Excellence team - the engine driving operational transformation across our restaurants. This team is relentlessly focused on scaling profitability, team productivity, and guest delight

We're looking for a strategic operator with a builder's mindset. You'll lead the charge on optimizing our off-premise business, integrating technology systems in our restaurants, and ensuring our platforms are not only stable but also unlock new levels of performance for franchisees. This role will report directly to the Vice President, Restaurant Excellence.

Target base salary is 120-135k depending on experience.

What You'll Do

Lead Off-Premise Operations & Innovation

• Own the guest experience across off-prem channels: Drive operational excellence in delivery, takeout, and catering by proactively identifying and resolving friction points such as order inaccuracies, delays, and missing items
• Advance off-prem technology: Collaborate with the Head of Innovation to integrate catering platforms, enhance DSP (Delivery Service Provider) capabilities, and optimize in-store hardware that supports off-prem operations.
• Champion performance and reliability: Monitor and improve system uptime, order flow, and fulfillment accuracy across third-party and owned channels.
• Leverage data to drive decisions: Use performance metrics and guest feedback to inform enhancements and prioritize initiatives that improve speed, accuracy, and satisfaction

Optimize In-Restaurant Tech Stack

• Partner with IT to evolve restaurant systems: Co-lead the optimization of in-restaurant technology including POS, Payment structure, and 3rd party rails (Olo). Ensure tech solutions are intuitive, reliable, and aligned with operator needs
• Diagnose and solve operational pain points: Apply deep restaurant operations knowledge to identify root causes of system issues and develop scalable solutions that improve day-to-day performance
• Support new restaurant openings: Lead the tech onboarding process for New Restaurant Openings and Change of Ownership transitions, ensuring seamless setup and activation of all systems

Drive Strategic Tech Initiatives

• End-to-end execution: Spearhead the rollout of new platforms and tools - from ideation and proof of concept to testing and deployment (e.g., new Tablet program)
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with Brand, IT, and Operations teams to identify and implement technologies that elevate both guest experience and operator efficiency

Be the Voice of the Operator

• Advocate relentlessly: Represent franchisees and restaurant teams in all tech-related decisions. Ensure systems reflect real-world needs and resolve issues with urgency and empathy

Operate Like an Entrepreneur

• Experiment and iterate: Balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Move fast, test often, and continuously seek ways to unlock new value through technology

What You Bring

• Proven experience managing restaurant or retail technology platforms
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills
• Ability to translate operational challenges into scalable tech solutions
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in fast-paced environments
• A bias for action, ownership, and continuous improvement

Skills & Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Information Systems, Operations, or a related field
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in off-premise operations, with at least 2+ years leading a division's technology stack
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit retail environments

Operational Acumen

• Deep understanding of third-party off-premise restaurant operations and performance drivers, with proven track record of improving off-premise execution and driving growth

Technology Fluency

• Familiarity with restaurant tech stacks and integration points
• Working knowledge of POS systems, credit card processors, fraud prevention tools, financial reporting platforms, loyalty programs, and digital ordering systems
• Ability to assess current deployments and evaluate alternative solutions

Analytical Thinking

• Skilled in diagnosing root causes, interpreting operational and technical data, and developing actionable solution plans

Leadership & Influence

• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Strong communication and storytelling skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, from senior leaders to field operators

Vendor & Partner Collaboration

• Proven success working with external technology partners to build roadmaps aligned with brand strategy and operational needs

Executional Agility

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
• Willingness to travel (~20%) to stay connected to frontline realities and ensure tech solutions meet real-world needs

Bias for Action

• Thrives in ambiguity and fast-changing environments
• Makes decisions with imperfect information and iterates quickly based on feedback

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dine Brands Global strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act and/or other applicable laws and regulations in other jurisdictions.

Dine Brands reviews criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment. The following is a list of all material job duties which Dine Brands reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: implement brand standards such as food safety at all restaurants for a uniform guest experience; physically inspect restaurant premises belonging to franchisees; and facilitate frequent and close interactions with franchisees, franchisee employees, guests, and other third parties.

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