Group Technology Officer

Optimized People; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimized People in Sandton is seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer to drive a data-led digital transformation, integrating AI across websites, CRM, sales and aftersales to redefine the customer journey. You will lead AI-driven sales and service agents, align technology with business strategy, manage multi-technology teams and partnerships, and position the group as a sector disruptor.

This role demands strategic leadership, strong business acumen and a proven track record in delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Data Science, IS, Business Technology or related field.
• Experience in Digital Transformation with CRM platforms and websites.
• 5+ years at a senior tech level managing multiple technologies and teams.
• Retail sector experience and familiarity with AI integration tools.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technology vision and digital strategy.
• Lead AI-driven sales, aftersales and customer experience initiatives.
• Oversee CRM data integration, cybersecurity, and real-time insights.
• Manage digital tools, budgets, and partnerships with vendors.
• Drive adoption of AI tools across sales and marketing teams.

Skills

AI integration

CRM & data integration

Digital transformation

Strategic leadership

Technology strategy

Education

Bachelor degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

CRM platforms

AI tools (chatbots)

Predictive analytics tools

Job description

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) you will lead the digital transformation of teh business, integrating AI-driven solutions with our existing websites, CRM systems, and sales and aftersales processes. Your mission is to revolutionize the sales experience by deploying AI sales and service agents, optimizing customer journeys, and leveraging data to drive revenue growth. This role requires a strategic leader who bridges technology, sales, customer experience and retention to position our business as a disruptor in the sector

You will play a crucial role in driving technological innovation, shaping the digital roadmap and ensuring the successful implementation of technology initiatives within a company. Lead all digital innovations, improve efficiency, whilst demonstrating strong technology and business acumen.

Driving our digital transformation must result in:

• Lead the AI revolution
• Directly impact customer satisfaction and sales & aftersales performance.
• Increase in lead conversion rates through sophisticated dashboard and real time insights
• Reduction in response time for customer inquiries.
• Improvement in CRM engagement metrics (e.g., follow-up completion, lead retention).
• Bachelor degree of equivalent is essential in Computer Science, Data Science, IS, Business Technology or related field
• Retail expertise mandatory always on audience
• Experience in Digital Transformation with CRM platforms and websites
• Experience with AI integration tools like chatbots and predictive analytics
• Experience at least 5 years plus technology experience at a senior level managing multiple technologies and tools. Experience in developing and executing a robust IT strategy that aligned with the groups business objectives for all its brands and sales requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. TECHNOLOY STRATEGY & INNOVATION
   • Defining and executing the company's technological vision. This involves staying abreast of technology trends or emerging technologies, assessing their relevance to the business, and recommending innovative solutions that provide a competitive edge
   • Design, develop and implement the Digital strategy
   • Develop the technology budget aligned to the vision and strategy
   • Manage technology budgets, allocating resources optimally to support various initiatives while maintaining financial discipline.
   • Partner with sales and marketing teams to identify technology requirements and evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI for content creation, voice assistants or sales agents).
2. TECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE & INFRASTRUCTIURE MANAGEMENT
   • Design the dealerships technical architecture and infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and reliability.
   • Evaluate and adopt suitable technologies that streamline operations and enhance performance.
   • Website, CRM and digital platform development and management as per new business requirement and existing established brand targets and goals
   • Oversee the dealerships website(s), ensuring seamless integration of AI tools (e.g., chatbots, virtual test drives, AR showrooms).
   • Optimize user experience (UX) for lead capture, online financing applications, and appointment scheduling.
   • Leverage dynamic website personalization (e.g., tailored vehicle suggestions based on browsing behaviour etc)
3. CRM & DATA INTEGRATION & PROTECTION
   • Modernize CRM workflows to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., follow-up reminders, sales reminders, process and time management reminders, service reminders).
   • Build a unified data ecosystem connecting CRM, sales, inventory, and service departments for real-time insights.
   • Chat GPT function with your CRM that is based on clean data that delivers results
   • Ensure Digital compliance and robust cybersecurity for customer data.
   • Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and protect sensitive data.
4. AI DRIVEN SALES, AFTERSALES & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
   • Design and implement AI sales agents (chatbots, virtual assistants) to automate lead generation, customer inquiries, and personalized recommendations.
   • Integrate AI with CRM systems to enhance lead scoring, follow-up automation, and customer segmentation.
   • Integrate AI into the aftersales with AI service advisors to automate CSI calls, stats and satisfaction data
   • Integrate AI solutions for inventory management and finance operational support
   • Develop AI tools for predictive analytics (e.g., inventory demand forecasting, pricing optimization).
5. TEAM LEADERSHIP & SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT
   • Manage the Digital tools with suppliers and or vendors, data analytics teams and fostering collaboration between technical, marketing, operations, sales and aftersales staff.
   • Collaborate with other executives, such as the CEO, COO, Franchise Director and Finance Director to understand business needs and ensure technology solutions align with those needs.
   • Source and manage partnerships with AI vendors, CRM & Website providers, and automotive tech startups.
6. TRAINING & ADOPTION
   • Train sales teams to collaborate with AI tools (e.g., using AI insights to close deals faster).
   • Drive cultural adoption of Technology, platforms and AI across the dealership, addressing resistance through clear ROI demonstrations.