Director Software Engineering

At CEC Entertainment, we build careers around great food, family, and fun! Our purpose and our passion is to create the best place for kids and families to eat and play! Job Description General Summary:     The CEC Information technology portfolio is built around third-party service providers , SaaS solutions , and a small number of custom applications . Key systems include the NCR Aloha platform, the Workday platform, SEMNOX, and a Microsoft Azure and Microsoft O 365 . The solutions delivery approach is to maintain a lean IT organization and use a “flex staffing” strategy to assemble the skills and resources needed to successfully deliver projects and maintain the existing applications and platforms . These two characteristics combine to create a dynamic environment for project planning and execution involving internal and external resources, partners, vendors, and fixed budgets .   T he Director of Software Engineering leads and oversee s the engineering talent and technical integration strategy for multiple technical domains . The person filling this critical position is accountable for the selection , implementation, and support of technology solutions including human capital management , accounting and financ e , supply chain, and other 3rd party corporate technologies utilizing CEC-approved technologies and delivery methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess the appropriate functional and technical skills to effectively communicate with business leaders and adapt technical strategies to organizational priorities.   The role requires d eep experience operating in a heavily outsourced, multi-location , global IT delivery model, along with a process orientation, understanding of IT strategy, strong project management skills, and outstanding communication and presentation skills.   Major Responsibilities include but are not limited to:    L eads and oversees the software engineering function in developing, delivering , and maintaining software applications , systems , third party integrations, and technology platforms according to business needs.   Establishes policies and procedures that foster a high-performing software engineering culture to produce high-quality software product s and service s that are secure, scalable, e fficiency to build and maintain , resilient to software defects and infrastructure challenges , and high ly durab le to changing business and technical requirements .   Provides oversight and accountability for the c ost-effective use of resources including employees, partners, vendors, and contractors.   Provides thought l eadership for and encourages employees, partners, and vendors to contribute to t echnology and process innovation .   Provides oversight and leadership to application development teams , including coding and code quality , automated and manual testing, piloting, installation, and implementation .   Instill a mindset of curiosity and continuous improvement, with a goal to drive faster speed to market at a lower cost .   Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, budgets, timelines , and expectations as a key leader in the IT delivery model.   Assess and develop talent within the team to create new competencies aligned with the IT strategic goals and operational requirements .     Set and manage standards of performance applicable to each job function .   Partner with internal and external stakeholders to enable business value creation .   Participate with the CIO, VP of IT, and other senior IT and business leaders in the Information Technology Steering Committee ensuring transparency in project delivery in the selection of external technical resources to deliver and support components of the new IT platform as needed.   Job Requirements :   Bachelor's degree in Computer Science , Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering or relevant field of study , or equivalent work experience   10+ years of IT and business industry work experience   5+ years of leadership e xperience in managing cross-functional teams and influencing senior level management and key stakeholders .    Demonstrated ability to develop and lead high performance, globally distributed development teams   Demonstrated c ontinuous technical learning skills   Demonstrated ability to build relationships across the organization with a sharp focus on the customer – both internal and external   Strong communication and presentation skills    Experience in a fast paced, Agile, continuous integration environment   Customer first mindset   Physical Demands    To perform the duties of this position, the incumbent must have the ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, twist, reach, and carry, lift, pull, push between 1 – 25 lbs. Incumbent must use a computer, with repetitive movement of both hands. Incumbent must be able to work an 8-hour shift, with frequent overtime.    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.                                                             #Diversity #Inclusion #Culture The Company: CEC Entertainment, LLC (“CEC”), headquartered in Irving, Texas, is a nationally recognized leader in family dining and entertainment, proudly operating the iconic Chuck E. Cheese, Peter Piper Pizza and Chuck’s Arcade brands. Chuck E. Cheese celebrates over half a million birthdays annually, dedicated to creating joyful, lasting memories through fun, food, and play. As the place Where a Kid Can Be a Kid®, the brand is committed to safety through programs like Kid Check® and community support, having donated more than $24 million to schools and nonprofits. In 2025, Chuck E. Cheese received the “Best in STEM” award and was named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces, highlighting its industry leadership both in innovation and employee well-being. Peter Piper Pizza offers a neighborhood pizzeria experience with quality food,