Chief Technology Officer

Hawes and Curtis; City Of London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading British heritage brand is seeking a hands-on Chief Technology Officer to spearhead their digital transformation strategy. The successful candidate will oversee technology operations and drive innovation across e-commerce platforms, ensuring seamless integration of digital experiences. The role requires excellent leadership skills, a deep understanding of retail systems, and strong technical expertise in key programming languages. This position is primarily based in the head office with a focus on fostering team collaboration and high performance.

Qualifications

• High emotional intelligence and ability to nurture and develop staff members.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of e-commerce ecosystems and retail systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a group-wide technology strategy.
• Oversee technology operations, including infrastructure and security.
• Drive innovation across e-commerce and customer experience platforms.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

E-commerce systems

Technical expertise (SQL, HTML, .NET, PHP, JavaScript)

API integration

Azure

Cybersecurity knowledge

Education

Master's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About Us

Hawes & Curtis is a quintessentially British heritage brand with a legacy in luxury shirting, fine tailoring, and stylish casualwear. With a strong reputation for quality and timeless design, we are proud to dress the modern gentleman and woman with impeccable craftsmanship and style.

The Role

We are looking for a hands-on, strategic, and resilient Chief Technology Officer who can develop and lead the digital transformation strategy across all brands.

Technology Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a cohesive group-wide technology strategy - modernising systems, processes, and customer-facing platforms.
• Serve as a member of the senior management team, contributing to overall strategy.

Systems, Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee all technology operations, including infrastructure, networks, security, and cloud environments.
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of all systems across the group.
• Manage third-party technology partnerships, vendors, and outsourced services (budget and contracts)

E-commerce, Retail Tech & Customer Experience

• Drive innovation across e-commerce platforms, POS systems, CRM, PIM, DAM, and omnichannel customer experiences.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that enhance retail operations, online conversions, and customer loyalty.
• Ensure seamless integration between digital and in-store experiences (Shopify experience is advantageous)

Data, Insights & Business Intelligence

• Develop the group’s data and analytics capabilities, enabling data-driven decision-making.
• Implement robust data governance, privacy, and compliance practices.
• Leverage analytics to optimise product, operational, and customer insights.

Team & Cross-Brand Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a high-performing technology team.
• Work closely with leadership across all sister brands to ensure alignment and consistency of technology initiatives.
• Collaborate across all ecommerce and marketing channels, including PPC, CRM, Affiliates, SEO, digital, creative, and content.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience Required

• High emotional intelligence and ability to nurture and develop staff members.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to balance innovation with operational stability and commercial priorities.
• Deep understanding of e-commerce ecosystems, retail systems, integration tools, and digital experience platforms.
• Strong technical expertise (SQL, HTML, .NET, PHP, JavaScript)
• Strong understanding of API integration and Azure.
• Experience and knowledge of cybersecurity, data architecture, ERP implementations, migrations, cloud technologies, and IT governance is advantageous.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience is advantageous
• Please note this role is 4 / 5 days based in the head office.