Chief Technology Officer - Retail Sector

We are seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the end-to-end technology strategy of a major omnichannel retail organisation that has operations both in and outside of Türkiye. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will shape the company’s digital future, modernize core systems, elevate customer experience, and build a high-performing technology organization supporting large-scale store, e-commerce, and supply-chain operations.

The CTO oversees all core technology domains including: software engineering, enterprise systems, architecture, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, data & analytics, integration, digital product, store technologies, supply-chain and logistics systems, and IT operations. The role is accountable for accelerating innovation, modernizing legacy systems, and building a high-performing engineering culture that supports the company’s long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technology Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year technology strategy aligned with corporate objectives and retail operating model
• Translate business needs into scalable technology architectures, digital platforms, and data-driven solutions
• Provide strategic leadership across all technology domains (engineering, data, infrastructure, cybersecurity, architecture, digital product)
• Establish a strong “technology vision” that supports omnichannel retail, customer experience, supply-chain efficiency, and operational excellence
• Partner closely with the other leadership team members

2. Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Lead the company’s digital transformation roadmap, modernizing legacy systems and enabling new digital capabilities across stores, e-commerce, mobile applications, CRM, loyalty, payments, and last-mile delivery
• Drive innovation by adopting emerging technologies
• Partner with business leaders to redesign digital customer journeys, optimize checkout experiences, personalize engagement, and introduce new digital revenue streams

3. Engineering, Development & Architecture

• Oversee all software development activities, ensuring high-quality, secure, scalable, and maintainable solutions
• Define enterprise architecture standards, cloud strategy, integration frameworks
• Lead system modernization efforts—including ERP upgrades, POS transformation, WMS/TMS systems, merchandising tools, planning systems, and omnichannel integrations
• Establish disciplined DevOps, CI/CD, and cloud-native engineering practices
• Build and maintain relationships with key technology vendors and ecosystem partners

4. Cybersecurity, Risk Management & Compliance

• Oversee enterprise-wide cybersecurity operations, risk frameworks, vulnerability management, incident response, and security governance
• Partner with internal audit teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements
• Develop a robust business continuity and disaster recovery program
• Cultivate a security-first culture across engineering, operations, and retail environments

5. Data, Analytics & AI

• Lead the company’s data and analytics organization, ensuring enterprise-wide data governance, availability, quality, and accessibility
• Advance AI and machine learning initiatives across demand forecasting, personalization, pricing optimization, inventory planning, fraud detection, site search optimization, and workforce planning
• Build scalable data platforms (data lake, data warehouse, real-time streaming architectures)
• Integrate analytics into decision-making

6. Retail Technology & Store Systems

• Own technology solutions across physical stores
• Ensure high availability and stability of systems in all stores, warehouses, and distribution centers
• Partner with operations to ensure technology continuously improves staff productivity and customer experience

7. IT Operations, Infrastructure & Service Delivery

• Lead infrastructure modernization
• Ensure reliable IT operations across HQ, stores, warehouses, and regional offices
• Define and optimize technology KPIs (uptime, performance, latency, cost-efficiency)

8. People Leadership & Culture

• Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing engineering and technology organization
• Establish a culture of agility, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Develop leadership bench strength and succession pipelines within the technology function
• Ensure effective communication and alignment across cross-functional teams and business units

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related technical field. MBA or similar advanced business education preferred
• 20+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, including senior technology leadership roles
• Proven success leading large-scale IT and engineering organizations
• Experience in retail, omnichannel, e-commerce, FMCG, logistics, marketplace, or large multi-site organizations
• Demonstrated experience managing technology budgets and multi-year transformation programs
• Deep understanding of enterprise systems, cloud architectures, data platforms, and cybersecurity
• Business acumen with a deep understanding of how technology impacts business operations and customer experience.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on data-driven insights.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• A proactive and adaptable mindset to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list, and other duties may be assigned as needed to meet the company's objectives.Top of Form