Store Systems Hardware Lead

Title : Store Systems Hardware Lead
End Client: Ross
Location: Dublin, CA (3x a week onsite)
Duration: 6+ months
Visa : CTH (USC and GC genuine only)

Position Overview
We are seeking a Store Systems Hardware Lead to support and scale Ross's store technology environment. This is a high-impact, contract to hire role created to backfill a recently retired team member and address immediate execution needs across hardware certification, pilots, and large-scale store rollouts.
This role owns the end to end hardware lifecycle for store systems and serves as the Ross point of contact for cross-functional teams and external vendors. The ideal candidate brings strong retail store technology experience with enough technical depth to engage engineers and troubleshoot issues, combined with the ability to drive programs to completion.
Key Responsibilities
Hardware Lifecycle & Program Execution

• Own the certification, pilot, rollout, and deployment of store hardware (POS, handhelds, back-office PCs, peripherals).
• Lead large-scale hardware refresh and expansion programs across 2,300+ stores.
• Plan and execute pilots in existing and new stores, then transition solutions into production and support.

Cross-Functional & Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate with internal teams including engineering, architecture, security, store operations, and support.
• Act as the Ross owner for system integrators, deployment vendors, cabling providers, and hardware partners.
• Manage sequencing and execution across multiple vendors during store deployments.

Technical Oversight & Issue Resolution

• Provide functional and technical oversight during certification, lab testing, and deployments.
• Review logs and diagnostics to identify issues and engage the appropriate technical teams.
• Support and oversee store systems labs (Dublin, Manila, Chennai), including troubleshooting and prioritization.

Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate program status, risks, and outcomes to Directors and VPs as needed.
• Drive alignment across teams to ensure store uptime and minimize business disruption.

Required Qualifications (Must Have)

• Proven experience with retail store systems and hardware environments.
• Hands-on ownership of hardware certifications, pilots, and large-scale rollouts.
• Strong understanding of how store devices and applications connect (POS, handhelds, printers, back-office systems).
• Technically grounded background (e.g., former engineer/developer or highly technical lead).
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and multiple vendors.
• Ability to operate independently and take ownership in a fast-moving environment.

Define and manage the store hardware lifecycle roadmap, including OS strategy and standards, in partnership with architecture teams.

• Track EOS/EOES/support milestones and develop multi year refresh strategies to remediate legacy devices and mitigate risk.
• Lead annual device certification, validation, and lab testing to ensure compliance and readiness.
• Govern hardware deployments across locations, including approval of deployment models, schedules, and execution plans.
• Lead large scale hardware refresh and rollout projects using multiple delivery methodologies.
• Manage end to end hardware procurement, including BOMs, vendor coordination, logistics, and delivery.
• Act as primary owner for hardware vendor management, including contract/SOW reviews and performance management, in collaboration with Legal and IT Contracts.
• Develop and manage detailed project and workstream plans to ensure on time, well resourced delivery.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables through analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify and manage risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints, escalating as needed.
• Prepare and present executive level status reports highlighting progress, risks, and decisions required.
• Partner with business, store operations, internal teams, and third party providers to ensure alignment and successful delivery.
• Provide leadership and oversight to internal teams and external deployment partners.
• Drive continuous improvement through process optimization and capture lessons learned to enhance future initiatives.

Qualifications & Special Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Information Systems, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience leading project planning and execution in medium to large organizations
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Proven ability to collaborate, influence, and build relationships across organizational levels
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing initiatives
• Experience negotiating and managing vendor contracts
• Strong knowledge of POS systems, retail hardware/software, and retail store technologies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools (Project, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Visio); quick to learn new tools and processes
• Familiarity with PMO tools (e.g., OnePlan, Primavera, Planview)
• Experience across project delivery methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid)
• Prefer Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, PBA, CSM)