Americana Restaurants - Center of Excellence Leader - IT Projects (10-12 yrs)

Job Description: Center of Excellence Leader (Chandigarh, India)

Company : Americana Restaurants International PLC

About Americana Restaurants International PLC:

- Americana Restaurants International PLC is a pioneering force in the MENA region and Kazakhstan's Out of Home Dining industry, and ranks among the world's leading operators of Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and casual dining establishments.

- With an extensive portfolio of iconic global brands and a dominant regional presence, we have consistently driven growth and innovation for over half a century.

- Our expansive network of 2,500 restaurants spans 12 markets throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Kazakhstan, from Kazakhstan in the east to Morocco in the west.

- Leveraging unparalleled local knowledge and capabilities, we are key players in our core markets with significant potential for further growth.

- Our dedicated team of over 40,000 talented individuals strives to create memorable moments through exceptional food, superior service, and outstanding experiences.

Position Overview:

- We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to head our Center of Excellence in Chandigarh, India.

- This center will be instrumental in providing product development, IT support, and implementing IT best practices for our global operations.

- As the Center of Excellence Leader in Chandigarh, India, we need someone who can resonate with and embody Americana's core values of customer obsession, ownership, excellence, collaboration, integrity, innovation and humility.

- Your role will be pivotal in not only leading technological advancements but also in instilling and propagating these core values within the team.

- By promoting a culture that emphasizes these values, you will ensure that the offshore center aligns seamlessly with Americana's strategic goals and contributes to its enduring success and growth on a global scale.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and grow the Offshore IT Center of Excellence, managing overall operations including planning, budgeting, staffing, and performance management.

- Ensure timely and efficient delivery of IT projects and services, adhering to agreed scope, quality, and cost parameters.

- Establish and maintain effective communication and collaboration with onshore IT teams and other stakeholders.

- Implement and enforce IT best practices, standards, policies, and procedures across the offshore IT center.

- Oversee various administrative and HR activities for the center, such as budgeting, reporting, compliance, and employee relations.

- Develop and execute talent acquisition and retention strategies, ensuring the recruitment and development of top candidates to meet organizational needs.

- Identify and resolve issues or risks impacting the offshore IT center's performance or reputation.

- Provide coaching, mentoring, and feedback to team members, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork.

- Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, identifying and executing technology-related innovations to create value and drive continuous improvement in services and solutions.

- Maintain a strong focus on cost efficiency, finding optimal solutions that meet quality standards and budget constraints, while monitoring and evaluating expenses and performance to implement cost-saving measures as necessary.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

- Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT management, preferably in an offshore or global context.

- Proven track record in delivering complex IT projects and services, and managing diverse, cross-functional IT teams.

- Strong knowledge of IT best practices, methodologies, tools, and frameworks (e. , Agile, Scrum, DevOps, ITIL, COBIT).

- Relevant IT certifications (e. , PMP, ITIL).

- Hands-on familiarity with the latest technologies and trends in the IT industry (e. , cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data) would be preferred

- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

- Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

- High level of integrity, professionalism, and customer orientation.

- Americana Restaurants International PLC offers an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team within a globally recognized organization.

- If you are a seasoned IT professional with a passion for excellence and innovation, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our offshore IT operations