Head of IT
Summary
Foundational Head of IT role at a family-owned Australian event catering and hospitality group: you build the IT function from scratch, owning the tech roadmap, core systems (NetSuite ERP, POS, Human Force, Momentus), infrastructure, cybersecurity, and hands-on incident support across 16 venues in 3 states.
Head of IT | Gema Group
Gema Group is a family-owned hospitality and catering business established in 1984.
Over forty years, we've grown into one of Australia's most respected event catering partners, operating across 16 venues in 3 states and delivering catering for marquee events including the Australian Open, Formula One Grand Prix, Supercars Championship Series, and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. From stadia to aviation lounges to airshows, our team shows up to represent and we do it from a kitchen on wheels just as well as from a world-class venue.
The Role
As Head of IT, you'll be the first dedicated technology leader in the business, a foundational role with real influence. The role is a strategic and operational leadership role responsible for enabling scalable business performance through technology, systems integration, data visibility, and operational innovation across Gema Group’s national venues, stadia, aviation, and greenfield event operations.
This role is accountable for the overall technology ecosystem across the business, ensuring Gema’s systems, infrastructure, reporting capability, and operational technologies support the company’s continued growth, operational excellence, and premium customer experiences.
The role combines strategic leadership with strong commercial and operational acumen and requires a proactive leader capable of partnering closely with Finance, Operations, Procurement, Payroll, and Venue teams to ensure technology delivers measurable business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of Gema's technology roadmap across multi-site national operations
Manage and support core business systems including Human Force (rostering & workforce), Momentus (event bookings & venue management), Cooking the Books (recipe costing & menu management), POS platforms and NetSuiteERP.
Oversee infrastructure, networks, cloud environments, and end-user devices across office and venue locations
Lead IT onboarding and provisioning for new staff, including device setup and system access
Manage cybersecurity posture, data protection practices, and system access controls
Evaluate, recommend, and implement new technology to support operational efficiency and business growth
Build and maintain relationships with external vendors and managed service providers
Develop and maintain IT governance, policies, and disaster recovery procedures
Provide hands-on support and leadership during incidents or outages
About You
8+ years in IT, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership capacity
Experience supporting multi-site or field-based operations, hospitality, events, retail, or similar industries highly regarded
Familiarity with workforce management, event management, or venue technology platforms is a strong advantage
Solid grasp of cloud infrastructure, networking, endpoint management, and cybersecurity fundamentals
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, operationally driven environment
A practical problem-solver who can work autonomously and build structure where there isn't much yet
Excellent communicator, able to translate tech into plain language for a non-technical team
Tertiary qualifications in IT, Computer Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
What We Offer
A rare opportunity to build an IT function from the ground up in an established, well-respected business
A genuine family business culture, values-led, people-first, and proud of it
The chance to work across some of Australia's most iconic venues and events
Competitive salary package commensurate with experience
How to Apply
The Head of IT will play a critical role in enabling Gema’s next phase of growth by ensuring technology, systems, and data capabilities support scalable operations, operational excellence, and informed decision-making across the business.
If you're an experienced IT professional ready to take ownership and make your mark in a business that's been delivering exceptional hospitality since 1984, we'd love to hear from you.
We don't just show up to serve, we show up to represent.