Job Summary

The Retail Technology Manager will be responsible for overseeing the Back End Architecture Infrastructure team, which involves managing over 200 active SAP programs and 100+ custom tables supporting the Settlement and POS interfaces. This requires overseeing the analysis of the current back-end architecture, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements. 

The Retail Marketing Technology Manager will lead the implementation and enhancement of payment card technologies and process improvements.  This pivotal role ensures our payment solutions are not only efficient and secure but also adhere to the highest industry standards. This includes overseeing the team managing payment card automation platform, PCO analytics and BI solutions.  In this role, the incumbent will oversee system performance and provide process and training documentation. Optimizing technology investments will be priority for this position. Additionally, collaborating with various teams to align Payment Card Operation strategies with company goals. This role will serve as super-user and SME for a variety of digital tools.  This position will be a vital liaison during planning and executing the S/4 SAP Roadmap. Also, this position will be a vital part of the upcoming PCO Architecture Infrastructure project focusing on technological advancements to enhance competitive edge and business model sustainability.

This position directs all technology matters related to the acceptance of payment cards at CITGO -branded and unbranded retail locations.  CITGO's POS interfaces and technologies are vital components of PCO’s payment card offering and settlement to its branded locations, as evidenced by the authorization, capture and settlement of $16.1B in card sales in 2024. POS is critically linked to the "Cards" side of Payment Card Operations, as cards authorized by CITGO for acceptance must be able to be electronically processed as specified by CITGO's third-party acquirer. At the retail level, the integrity of the backend processing is critical to the uninterrupted settlement of the location’s cash flow. Failures in the POS backend can shut down cashflow for CITGO and the Marketers.

Payment cards serve as the non-cash method of payment for purchases of goods and services from CITGO and unbranded retail locations totaling 373 million transactions, $9.2 billion in retail sales, $200MM in card fees revenue and $167.4MM in fees paid to card brands. CITGO obtains other revenue through misc. fees and rental agreements.

Job Duties

1. Implement and Enhance Payment Card Technologies: Lead the implementation and enhancement of payment card technologies and process improvements. Direct the design and development of POS Backend interfaces that support the retail operation of approximately 4,300 CITGO-branded locations. These systems control critical functionality associated with the backend processing of cash sales and the acceptance of payment cards, both in-store and at the dispenser. Ensure proper specifications are written, tested, and implemented. Monitor adherence to project timetables, ensure adequate testing prior to implementation.
2. Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and execute strategic plans for the department, ensuring alignment with company goals.  This involves directing the support of the back-end processing systems for CITGO's Back-end architecture which includes managing over 200 active SAP programs and more than 100 custom tables that support the Settlement and POS interfaces. Key activities include overseeing the analysis of the current back-end architecture, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements. 
3. Documentation and Process Improvement: Document processes and interfaces, creating a comprehensive knowledge base for the team. Facilitate smoother transitions, onboarding of new team members and customers
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments such as IT, Marketing, and Customer Service to ensure seamless integration and operation of retail technology solutions. Facilitate regular meetings and communication channels to align on goals and strategies. Build and maintain strong relationships with external vendors and partners to ensure the successful implementation and maintenance of retail technology systems. Manage the relationship with Heartland Payment Systems, CITGO's third-party acquirer, on whom CITGO depends for authorization and capture of all electronic sales (POS) transactions. 
5. Act as a Super-User and Subject Matter Expert (SME): Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a variety of digital tools, including managing the Payment Card Data Lake and Payment Card Settlement Back Office system integrations. Ensure seamless integration of new technologies and streamline existing processes. 

Job Duties II

6. Attend Industry Events and Maintain Vendor Relationships: Attend industry events and trade functions to stay aware of new products and services. Develop and maintain key vendor contacts to ensure awareness of new products, services, and technologies under consideration.  Maintain an awareness of new technologies through trade publications, industry peers, active participation in industry associations such as NACS, NPECA, and Conexxus and through timely and appropriate presentations by external suppliers. Evaluate new offerings and present possibilities to key CITGO stakeholders for their evaluation.
7. Lead Strategic Planning and Road mapping: Direct the administration of POS card processing solutions, such as cloud-based payment solutions. Additionally, oversee the integration of various payment technologies and methods, including ACH payments, Pay by Car solutions, and contactless payments. Continuously investigate emerging technologies and alternatives presented by CITGO's network provider. Make recommendations to management for implementation, focusing on potential markets, customer benefits, cost analysis, and the financial impact on CITGO.
8. Lead and Oversee the Retail Technology Team: Oversee and manage the retail technology team, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives. Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Define and maintain the appropriate staffing levels to optimize departmental productivity. Identify and develop key personnel for movement into positions of higher responsibility.  Ensure all HR policies and procedures are administered fairly and equitably to create a positive work environment for all employees. Direct the preparation and management of annual operating budgets in adherence with corporate guidelines. Approve expenditures consistent with budgets and company values.

Minimum Qualifications

•    Minimum Bachelor's Degree and 15+ years of technical/functional SAP Experience in related field or positions
•    Proficient with Power BI and Power Automate
•    Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on performance metrics and KPIs.
•    Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with experience in liaising between technical teams and business stakeholders.
•    Presentation skills
•    Project Management skills