Retail Store Systems Hardware Lead

Trident Consulting is seeking a "Retail Store Systems Hardware Lead" for one of our clients in "Dublin, CA - Hybrid" A global leader in business and technology services.Position: Retail Store Systems Hardware LeadLocation: Dublin, CA - HybridType: W2ContractRate: $65-70/HrPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Store Systems Hardware Lead to support and scale store technology environment.This role owns the end to end hardware lifecycle for store systems and serves as the 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 ResponsibilitiesHardware Lifecycle & Program ExecutionOwn 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 CoordinationCoordinate with internal teams including engineering, architecture, security, store operations, and support.Act as the owner for system integrators, deployment vendors, cabling providers, and hardware partners.Manage sequencing and execution across multiple vendors during store deployments.Technical Oversight & Issue ResolutionProvide 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 CommunicationCommunicate 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.Responsibilities: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:Bachelors degree in business, Information Systems, Computer Science, or equivalent experience7+ years of experience leading project planning and execution in medium to large organizationsStrong verbal, written, and presentation communication skillsProven ability to collaborate, influence, and build relationships across organizational levelsSolid organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing initiativesExperience negotiating and managing vendor contractsStrong knowledge of POS systems, retail hardware/software, and retail store technologiesProficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools (Project, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Visio); quick to learn new tools and processesFamiliarity 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)About Trident ConsultingTrident Consulting is an award-winning staffing and consulting firm headquartered in San Ramon, CA. Since 2005, weve partnered with Fortune 500 and high-growth companies to deliver high-quality talent across technology, engineering, business operations, and professional services.We specialize in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements, supporting roles across IT, data & analytics, cloud, cybersecurity, finance & accounting, HR, operations, and more. With a strong focus on hard-to-fill and niche positions, our global recruiting engine enables us to deliver speed, quality, and scale.