Store Tech Solutions Architect

Job Summary The Store Tech Solutions Architect (Networking) is responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously enhancing the enterprise architecture that supports restaurant environments. This role leads the strategy, integration, and governance of networking, point‑of‑sale (POS), and security solutions across all locations, ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable infrastructure for both corporate and franchise operations.

The architect owns the end‑to‑end design of restaurant networking environments—including LAN/WAN, wireless, segmentation, and connectivity—to support POS systems, digital ordering platforms, kitchen technologies, and guest‑facing services. This role ensures high availability and performance of POS ecosystems, enabling seamless transactions and operational continuity across all brands.

The Solutions Architect collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams—including support organizations, system administrators, Category IT leaders, and retail project managers—to translate business and operational requirements into standardized, scalable technical solutions. The role also partners with firewall/security vendors, ISP providers, and POS technology partners to define architecture standards, drive vendor alignment, and ensure consistency across franchisee environments.

This position is accountable for embedding a robust, enterprise‑wide information security framework into all retail and restaurant technology designs. This includes proactively identifying, evaluating, and mitigating infrastructure and POS‑related security risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and alignment with the company’s risk posture.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in networking, POS systems, and security architecture within retail or restaurant environments, along with strong knowledge of PCI DSS requirements and experience designing secure payment and transaction ecosystems.

Essential Functions

• Network Architecture Leadership — Design and maintain enterprise LAN/WAN, SD‑WAN, wireless, and segmentation architectures for retail and restaurant environments.
• POS & Transaction Ecosystem Design — Architect secure, resilient connectivity for POS systems, payment devices, digital ordering platforms, and kitchen technologies.
• Infrastructure Standardization — Define and enforce standardized network and security configurations across corporate and franchise locations.
• Security Architecture & Compliance — Embed security‑first principles into all designs; ensure alignment with PCI DSS and corporate risk frameworks.
• Vendor & Partner Collaboration — Work with firewall/security vendors, ISPs, and POS providers to align on architecture standards and ensure consistent implementation.
• Cross‑Functional Engagement — Partner with support teams, system administrators, and IT leaders to translate business needs into scalable technical solutions.
• Operational Reliability — Ensure high availability, performance, and resilience of retail networking and POS environments.
• Governance & Best Practices — Establish architectural governance, documentation, and operational standards to drive consistency across brands.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation — Proactively identify infrastructure vulnerabilities and lead remediation strategies.
• Technology Roadmapping — Influence long‑term network, POS, and security roadmaps to support growth, innovation, and operational efficiency.

Education

• Bachelor's degree, preferred.

Work Experience

• Retail/Restaurant Technology Experience — Hands‑on experience designing and supporting POS, payment systems, and store‑level infrastructure.
• Experience in QSR or franchise‑based environments, Preferred
• Experience with SD‑WAN, cloud networking, and modern security frameworks, Preferred

Skills

• Networking Expertise — Deep knowledge of LAN/WAN, SD‑WAN, wireless, segmentation, VPN, and routing/switching.
• Security Architecture Skills — Strong understanding of firewalls, IDS/IPS, secure network design, and PCI DSS requirements.
• Enterprise Architecture Skills — Ability to design scalable, standardized solutions across thousands of distributed locations.
• Vendor & Partner Management — Experience working with ISPs, security vendors, and POS technology partners.
• Cross‑Functional Communication — Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.

Certifications

• Certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, PCIP, or AWS/Azure networking specialties, Preferred

Travel Requirement

• May be required to travel up to 25% of the time