CTO: AI-Driven Retail Tech Leader

Hot Topic; California (MO); On-site; USD 300,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement benefits

Employee discounts

PTO

Tuition reimbursement

On-site cafe

Fitness center

Chiropractor

Masseuse

Job summary

Hot Topic HQ in City of Industry, CA seeks a Chief Technology Officer to direct strategic technology initiatives across all brands, including AI, cybersecurity, and product development. You will own budgets, oversee the full software lifecycle, and drive technology strategy aligned with business goals.

The role requires deep leadership, a track record of delivering complex tech programs, and the ability to manage multi-functional teams, external partners, and governance across the enterprise.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional tech leadership experience with at least 10 years managing tech teams.
• Experience in multi-brand or multi-business-unit retail or similar complex environments.
• BS/BA in computer science, engineering or related major; graduate degree a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with company leadership to develop vision and road map to achieve goals.
• Refine product roadmap with timeframes and drive releases to market.
• Own IT budget and allocate resources across infrastructure, applications, security, and support.
• Direct the full software development lifecycle and manage development processes.
• Ensure on-time, quality delivery within cost objectives and market needs.
• Lead Product Quality Assurance and integrate testing throughout development.
• Establish governance for privacy, security, and regulatory compliance across brands.
• Define and execute AI strategy, governance, platforms, tools, and risk management.
• Drive collaboration across teams, vendors, and stakeholders to optimize operations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Software development lifecycle

Cybersecurity

AI strategy

Governance

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Product management

Education

BS/BA in computer science, engineering or related major

Graduate degree in related field

Job description

Hot Topic HQ in City of Industry, CA seeks a Chief Technology Officer to direct strategic technology initiatives across all brands, including AI, cybersecurity, and product development. You will own budgets, oversee the full software lifecycle, and drive technology strategy aligned with business goals.

The role requires deep leadership, a track record of delivering complex tech programs, and the ability to manage multi-functional teams, external partners, and governance across the enterprise.