Chief Technology Officer

Description

Kelli’s is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the development and execution of our technology strategy. As a key member of the executive team, the CTO will oversee all technical aspects of the company, including engineering, IT, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, and product development. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with a deep understanding of emerging technologies, business acumen, and a proven track record of leading high-performing technical teams.

Kelli's is a trusted name in wholesale distribution, serving hospital gift shops and retailers across the country. As a family-owned business, we are built on values of hard work, integrity, and exceptional service. We’re looking for an individual who embodies these qualities and is ready to take our IT area to the next level.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive technology roadmap aligned with business goals.
  • Serve as a key advisor to the President and executive team on technology trends and innovations.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement across all technical teams.
• Technology Management
  • Lead and mentor engineering, product, and IT teams; build a scalable and efficient organizational structure.
  • Oversee all system architecture decisions, development practices, infrastructure, and software implementation.
  • Ensure technology standards and best practices are maintained across the organization.
•  Product & Innovation
  • Partner with Product, Marketing, and Operations to drive product development and user experience initiatives.
  • Identify and evaluate new technologies and tools that can give the company a competitive edge.
  • Oversee R&D initiatives and prototype development.
• Security & Compliance
  • Ensure the security, privacy, and integrity of company data and technology assets.
  • Establish and enforce policies and procedures that maintain regulatory compliance and risk management.
• Budgeting & Vendor Management
  • Develop and manage the technology department’s budget.
  • Evaluate, negotiate, and manage vendor relationships and third-party service providers. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (MBA a plus).
• 15+ years of progressively responsible technology leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior executive role.
• Proven experience leading large-scale software development or technology transformation projects.
• Strong understanding of system architecture, cloud infrastructure, data platforms, and cybersecurity.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Attributes:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach.
• Track record of building and scaling teams and products.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative environment.
• Passion for leveraging technology to improve customer experience and business performance.