Chief Technology Officer

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. As part of our continued growth and digital transformation journey, we are looking to appoint a Role Overview The Chief 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. Key Competencies 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. Compensation & Benefits Base Salary : £185,000 per annum Performance-Related Bonus : 33% of base salary Benefits : Comprehensive benefits package including pension, healthcare, and generous employee discounts.