Strategic Technology Executive

This is a senior leadership position that oversees the IT and digital transformation at an organization. The role defines the vision, roadmap, architecture, and implementation of IT/digital transformation, and establishes a lean operations model.

The Strategic Technology Executive works closely with business unit leaders to help the organization become a lean and truly agile DevOps entity. This involves driving an application modernization and migration plan across the business, transforming the way technology is leveraged and enabling automation across the organization.

This role also defines an integrated data management approach and builds an AI-enabled business analytics capability, helping the organization monetize data and leverage it for superior experience and business value creation.

Additionally, the Strategic Technology Executive will build a comprehensive security framework for the organization and visualize customer/employee-centric experience platforms connecting the organization.

This executive reports to the CEO and is responsible for giving oversight and direction to IT and business leaders on strategy, standards, and opportunities for shared services and economies of scale.

• Develop and implement the IT & Digital transformation vision and strategy in alignment with the organization's business objectives.
• Position the organization as a thought leader in industry forums and create visibility – own innovation charter across the organization.
• Advise the senior management team on emerging technologies and digital trends that are most relevant to the organization's goals and evolving needs.

Retail Technology and Innovation:

• Drive the adoption of cutting-edge retail technologies to enhance the customer experience, including e-commerce, mobile apps, CRM systems, and in-store technologies.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact on the business.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives to improve customer engagement, streamline operations, and support omnichannel strategies.

Data Management and Analytics:

• Develop and implement data governance and data management strategies.
• Utilize data analytics to provide insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and operational efficiencies.
• Support data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Vendor and Stakeholder Management:

• Manage relationships with external vendors, ensuring the delivery of high-quality IT products and services.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements to achieve cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure IT initiatives support business objectives.

IT Governance and Compliance:

• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and security protocols.

IT Operations:

• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of IT systems, applications, and infrastructure to support business operations.
• Manage the integration of new technologies and systems into the existing IT environment.
• Own operations across Applications, network, end user devices and security – cutting across partners and create an integrated IT operations model for the organization.

Desired Profile:

• More than 20 years of experience in IT/tech – preferably in retail organizations or in services companies while managing end-to-end responsibilities for enterprises.
• Experience in digital transformation for enterprises – experience with retail industry preferred – spanning across business processes.
• Experience with omnichannel systems required for a new generation retailer.
• Ability to define and manage a futuristic IT architecture – spanning applications, data and security.
• Experience in establishing an IT governance model across the organization.
• Experience in DevOps transformation.
• Experience in Process transformation.
• Exposure to AI and automation technologies.
• Willingness to take risks and ability to start from scratch.
• Target orientation and familiarity with service delivery constructs relevant to IT services – experience in building and managing a partner ecosystem.