Working in IT at QSRP: Meet Sikander!

Hello Sikander, welcome to our column dedicated to the QSRP IT-BI Function! Tell us about how you joined QSRP.??

Thank you! I studied Computer Science and initially explored IT consulting roles, which many graduates pursue. I nearly joined one when I discovered an opportunity at Burger King and Quick BeLux. During the interviews, I quickly connected with the team, and the international scope of the role drew me in. I didn’t realize I’d also get to work with O’Tacos, a brand I was a loyal customer of!?

Looking back, I know I made the right choice. When I catch up with former classmates, I see the unique IT advantages I have at QSRP. They often note the responsibilities I have acquired and the dynamic, ever-changing environment I work in. Things change daily, requiring flexibility and a proactive mindset that is motivating and exciting for me.?

Before we dive in, what is the role of IT – Infrastructure at QSRP??

At QSRP, we manage a unified IT ecosystem across our brands. While we aim to integrate all brands and acquisitions, some come with existing infrastructures that can’t be seamlessly adapted. When full integration isn’t possible, we focus on building bridges to ensure smooth collaboration and connectivity.?

This involves strategizing and deploying technological development, managing office software and network connectivity, overseeing user management. A key part of our role is also continuous learning and knowledge-sharing with local IT teams.?

I was initially surprised by the scale of IT at QSRP. My area, “Infrastructure,” is the backbone of all our Technology. We ensure data is securely stored and accessible, enabling other systems to run smoothly. Cybersecurity is also a key part of our role, for example, protecting against phishing attacks. At times, we step into crisis management when global issues arise, such as those caused by external factors.??

What are key skills needed for the job??

Due to the fast pace of technological evolution, we must stay updated and keep learning every day, which helps us growing within the company.??

For this job you need a genuine interest in technology, a strong background (whether from formal education or self-learning), and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues. Flexibility is crucial, as there are times when we need to run the extra mile to keep the business running smoothly. Good planning skills are essential: we must anticipate potential consequences of our actions and maintain a helicopter view of all IT elements we manage. All in all, if you are passionate about the topic and open to learn, you quickly pick up what you need to know.?

What are some exciting projects you were involved in??

Before each year start, we discuss upcoming projects with central and local teams, creating cohesion across the Group. A couple of projects I’m particularly proud of is migrating the back-office solution from one of our brands to the public cloud. It required extensive teamwork to reconfigure the networking and ensure full access to the back-office system, making it more agile and easier to manage in terms of capacity and forecasting.?

Another challenging and successful project was the migration of one of our brands IT systems. We integrated all employees' mailboxes and collaboration tools under the QSRP umbrella, ensuring a smooth and lean implementation. This was a tricky but rewarding accomplishment.?

Who do you mostly collaborate with in the Group??

I mainly collaborate with local IT teams, Business Intelligence, and SAP teams. For specific projects, I also work with other functions. Recently, I partnered with the Quality team to develop a new ticketing system for the restaurants, automating and simplifying processes. We also collaborate with the Legal team for security audits and GDPR compliance. Additionally, we work with our external IT partners daily. Being a social person, I appreciate our dynamic, communicative environment and enjoy interacting with many colleagues.?

Is there something you love the most about your job??

I love the flexibility and variety of my work. I enjoy the daily adventures and sometimes even leading from the front line. I also appreciate the support of QSRP in my technical and personal growth. We’re encouraged to pursue training and are listened to when we suggest new things to explore.?

The company culture is very open, and everyone is reachable. For example, soon after I joined, during a meeting the Chief Information Officer personally asked for my opinion on something. The open line of communication within the company is something I value greatly.??

I enjoy being involved in all the function’s activities and being part of a team that is dynamic and fast-paced. When unexpected challenges arise, we overcome them as a team, which is incredibly fulfilling. The action and teamwork during these moments are something I truly love about my job.