Job Details

HCLTech is looking for a highly talented and self- motivated Retail Account/Field CTO to join it in advancing the technological world through innovation and creativity.

Job Title: Retail Account/Field CTO

Job ID: 2678313

Position Type: Full-time

Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite)

Role Overview

As Account CTO for a strategic retail account, you will be the primary technology leader responsible for defining and executing the end‑to‑end technology strategy. You will partner with the client's C‑suite, HCL account leadership, and delivery teams to ensure technology investments drive business value, innovation, and competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology Strategy & Roadmap: Develop and own the multi‑year technology roadmap aligned with the client's retail vision—covering omnichannel platforms, digital commerce, supply‑chain systems, and emerging tech (AI, IoT, blockchain).
• Client Relationship & Advisory: Serve as the trusted technology advisor to the client's CIO/CTO and executive stakeholders; lead executive briefings, technology roadshows, and joint innovation workshops.
• Solution Architecture Governance: Establish architecture principles and governance processes; review and approve major design decisions, ensuring scalability, security, and performance.
• Delivery Oversight: Provide executive‑level oversight of program delivery—agile transformation, cloud migration, platform modernizations—and intervene to remove roadblocks or risks.
• Innovation & R&D: Identify and incubate new technologies (e.g., AI‑driven personalization, computer vision in stores, edge computing) through proof‑of‑concepts and pilot programs.
• Financial & Commercial Accountability: Drive account P&L, manage technology‑related investments, control cost optimization, and identify new revenue opportunities.
• Ecosystem & Partner Management: Cultivate relationships with ISVs, system integrators, cloud providers, and startups to co‑innovate and deliver best‑of‑breed solutions.
• Talent Leadership: Mentor senior architects, solution leads, and delivery managers; build a high‑performing technology leadership bench within the account.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 20+ years of IT industry experience, with at least 10 years in executive technology leadership roles within the retail sector.
• Deep understanding of retail business models and processes (e‑commerce, POS, merchandising, supply chain, loyalty).
• Proven track record of defining and executing large‑scale digital and cloud transformation programs.
• Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman), microservices, API‑first design, and cloud‑native architectures.
• Strong commercial acumen: P&L management, contract negotiations, and technology sourcing.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills; experience presenting to Boards and C‑level audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation — identifying emerging tech trends and translating them into business outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA or Master's in Computer Science/Engineering).
• Certifications in enterprise architecture (TOGAF), cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), or agile leadership (SAFe, PMP).
• Experience with retail‑specific platforms (SAP Hybris, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Oracle Retail).
• Background in M&A technology integration or carve‑out projects.
• Behavioral Competencies
• Strategic Vision: Anticipate industry shifts and align technology roadmaps to long‑term business goals.
• Leadership & Influence: Inspire cross‑functional teams and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Customer Obsession: Advocate relentlessly for end‑user experience and client satisfaction.
• Collaboration: Foster strong partnerships between HCL, the client, and external ecosystem players.
• Agility & Resilience: Navigate ambiguity, adapt to changing priorities, and drive results under pressure.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range Minimum: $139,000 per year

Pay Range Maximum: $286,000 per year

HCLTech is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, physical disability or genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with federal, state, and/or local law. Should any applicant have concerns about discrimination in the hiring process, they should provide a detailed report of those concerns to ...@hcltech.com for investigation.

Compensation and Benefits

A candidate's pay within the range will depend on their work location, skills, experience, education, and other factors permitted by law. This role may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses subject to company policies. In addition, this role is eligible for the following benefits subject to company policies: medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability insurance; employee assistance program; 401(k) retirement plan; 10 days of paid time off per year (some positions are eligible for need-based leave with no designated number of leave days per year); and 10 paid holidays per year.

How You'll Grow

At HCLTech, we offer continuous opportunities for you to find your spark and grow with us. We want you to be happy and satisfied with your role and to really learn what type of work sparks your brilliance the best. Throughout your time with us, we offer transparent communication with senior-level employees, learning and career development programs at every level, and opportunities to experiment in different roles or even pivot industries. We believe that you should be in control of your career with unlimited opportunities to find the role that fits you best.