Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Global Luxury Clothing Brand

London, UK

£185,000 per annum + 33% Performance-Related Bonus

Reports to:Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Direct Reports:Senior Leaders across IT, Digital, Data, and Operations

Team Size:90

About the Company

Our client is a globally recognized luxury clothing brand, renowned for its timeless elegance, innovation, and cutting-edge design. With a commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and a seamless customer experience, the brand is at the forefront of redefining modern luxury. The company operates across a diverse global market, offering a blend of physical retail, e-commerce, and cutting-edge digital solutions to enhance the customer experience.

Role Overview

TheChief Technology Officer (CTO)will play a pivotal role in steering the company’s technology strategy, aligning IT initiatives with business objectives, and ensuring the brand remains a leader in the luxury retail market. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CTO will oversee a talented team of 90 professionals, including senior leaders in technology, digital transformation, data, and operations.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of 12-15 years in leading complex technology teams and initiatives, ideally within the retail or fashion sectors. The role demands a visionary leader with a deep understanding of digital commerce, omnichannel strategies, and the ability to drive innovation in a fast-paced, luxury environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute a comprehensive technology strategy that aligns with the brand’s business goals and enhances its global market position.
• Digital Transformation: Lead the company’s digital transformation agenda, leveraging advanced technologies (AI, machine learning, automation, etc.) to create seamless, personalized customer experiences across all channels (physical, digital, mobile).
• Omnichannel Innovation: Oversee the development and implementation of omnichannel strategies, integrating online and offline retail experiences to optimize customer engagement and drive sales growth.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of 90 professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Technology Infrastructure: Ensure robust, scalable, and secure IT infrastructure that supports the business’s growth and operational needs, including e-commerce platforms, data systems, ERP, and supply chain technologies.
• Cybersecurity: Safeguard the organization against cybersecurity threats by implementing state-of-the-art security protocols and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Vendor and Partner Management: Manage relationships with external technology partners, software vendors, and consultants to drive innovation and operational efficiency.
• Data and Analytics: Utilize data analytics to inform decision-making, optimize performance, and enhance the customer experience through predictive insights and data-driven strategies.
• Budget Oversight: Develop and manage the technology budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while maintaining alignment with broader business objectives.

Key Qualifications

• Experience: 12-15 years of senior technology leadership experience, with a proven track record in the retail, luxury, or fashion sectors. Experience working within a global context is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is required. A Master's or MBA is desirable.
• Leadership: Demonstrable experience in managing large, diverse teams, with the ability to motivate and lead senior executives.
• Technology Expertise: Deep knowledge of emerging technologies and their applications in retail, such as AI, automation, IoT, cloud computing, and e-commerce platforms.
• Digital Commerce: Strong understanding of e-commerce, digital marketing, and omnichannel strategies within a retail context.
• Project Management: Proven ability to lead large-scale technology projects, including systems implementations, upgrades, and migrations.
• Change Management: Experience driving organizational change and digital transformation initiatives.
• Customer-Centric Focus: Strong alignment with the luxury retail market’s needs and expectations, particularly in terms of delivering a world-class customer experience.
• Financial Acumen: Experience managing multi-million-pound technology budgets, with a focus on driving ROI and cost efficiency.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to shape and execute long-term technology strategies that align with business growth.
• Innovative Thinking: A forward-looking leader who keeps abreast of technology trends and continuously seeks to innovate.
• Collaboration & Influence: Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, able to engage and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Results-Oriented: A focus on driving tangible results, with a strong sense of accountability for delivering technology solutions that drive business performance.
• Agility: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities.

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