Digital Platform Lead (Digital Product Lead)

JOB OVERVIEW This individual contributor role will lead and control all work activity involving the implementation and execution of mobile and digital technologies (fan-facing and in-store) that ensure our ability to compete in the QSR industry. This includes testing and deployment of the DQ Mobile App and web-based ordering.Responsible for ensuring the stable operation of Mobile apps, DQ Websites, Electronic Point of Sales (EPOS), and other digital ordering technologies. This includes full-life cycle development (planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing). Responsible for successfully integrating the in-store and fan-facing technology into the daily operational and management routines within restaurants throughout the DQ system. Responsible for managing key partner relationships that provide services to IDQ and its franchisees. Support IDQ corporate, franchisees, and field support staff on technology-related issues involving hardware, software, connectivity, process, and data-related issues. Collaborate with a team of support specialists.Primary AccountabilitiesLead and deploy execution plans for Digital Technology:Research and drive technology solutions' selection, development, customization, and placement.Analyze industry best practices and trends to determine new opportunities for store-level technology. Actively keeps abreast of digital technology industry trends.Collaborate with cross-functional teams on feature roadmap for technology products based on business opportunities defined by our business and vendor partners.Evaluate and articulate business partners' and franchisees' needs and opportunities for technology-based products and services. Develop project plans and guide the platform team to achieve effective release management for the ongoing development of systems (design, coding, and unit testing, providing test script cases and business requirements for the software development process).Identify and enforce system standards for digital platforms and manage the interface efforts between all platform components (hardware, software—Point of Sale (POS) & back office, mobile app, websites, enterprise, data extract/polling, peripherals).Ensure the technology team employs disciplined approaches to documenting workflows, implementation strategies, platform conversion methodology, and system configuration (hardware and software).Manage and control the deployment and installation process for ordering platforms and in-store technology.Manage digital development groups (internal/external), as well as the programming and ongoing analysis of all related software applications connected with the technology platforms deployed in restaurants and those connected with data warehousing and reporting.Manage Issue Management and Change Control processes defined within the process control documentation.Create and maintain detailed documentation for workflows, implementation strategy, platform conversion methodology, and system configuration (hardware & software).When needed, provide frontline support to all operators, field, and internal customers. Provide technical support in the deployment process for digital platforms that may be implemented at IDQ.Relationship Management – Internal and External Relationships:Liaison with Technology Vendors regarding product features and planned enhancements. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Ensure alignment between vendors and corporate members through quarterly meeting updates, etc.Ensure prioritization of current issues.Definition of scope of releases, including coordination of internal teams within release management processesResponsible for management of Franchisee/Business Consultants Enhancement Requests by responding to specific requests and coordinating within existing enhancement lists for proper prioritizationLead focus group meetings quarterly or more often as neededLiaison to business-led projects for initiatives that affect retail technology development solutions.Other:As appropriate, present meaningful and timely updates to various audiences, including corporate leadership, franchisee leadership councils, and corporate employees. Collaborate with other business groups and project staff to ensure effective communication while monitoring for systemic issues and concerns that need attention.  Work with the Training Dept. to review and update the training curriculum for various constituencies.Appropriately partner with the IT Department to leverage current knowledge of platforms, software, etc., to best inform the analysis and needs assessment process.Attend appropriate industry forums and similar trade shows to keep abreast of existing and emerging retail technologies.