Specsmakers - Head - Product & Technology (10-25 yrs)

Job Title : Head of Product and Technology

Reports To : Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Department : Product and Technology

Location : Chennai

Company website - https://www.specsmakers.in/pages/about-us

Job Summary :

- The Head of Product and Technology will lead the strategic vision, development, and delivery of the omni-channel retailer's digital products and technology infrastructure. This senior leadership role requires a leader with deep expertise in both product management and technology to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and ensure the seamless integration of e-commerce, mobile, in-store, and other sales channels.

- The ideal candidate will be responsible for shaping product roadmaps, leading cross-functional teams, and overseeing the implementation of advanced technological solutions. They must possess a deep understanding of retail trends, customer behavior, and evolving technologies to optimize operational efficiency and deliver world-class omni-channel experiences.

Key Responsibilities :

Product Strategy & Management:

- Define and lead the product vision and strategy across all digital and physical channels, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business goals.

- Oversee the entire product lifecycle-from ideation to development, launch, and continuous iteration-ensuring that product features meet market demands and customer needs.

- Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., Marketing, Merchandising, Operations, Finance and Supply Chain) to deliver a cohesive omni-channel customer experience.

- Drive customer-centric product enhancements that deliver seamless online and offline experiences, enabling smooth transitions between e-commerce, mobile apps, and physical stores.

Technology Leadership:

- Deliver a seamless transition from the current technology stack (largely third party applications) into a in-house built custom stack that is aligned with the company's overall business strategy, while lowering total cost of ownership for the technology stack.

- Develop and execute a comprehensive technology roadmap that supports the company's omni-channel initiatives, driving efficiency and scalability.

- Lead and mentor a team of product managers, developers, and technology professionals to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

- Oversee the architecture, design, and deployment of technology platforms, ensuring robustness, scalability, and security.

- Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, including AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and advanced analytics, and assess their potential for improving the customer experience and operational efficiency.

- Ensure that all digital and retail systems (POS, inventory management, CRM, e commerce platforms) are fully integrated to support a seamless shopping experience.

Customer Experience Optimization:

- Utilize data-driven insights to identify and anticipate customer needs across multiple channels, implementing solutions that enhance personalization and engagement.

- Collaborate with the marketing and customer service teams to optimize digital touchpoints and improve customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction.

- Lead initiatives to improve mobile experiences, store technology (such as kiosks or mobile POS), and frictionless payment options.

- Leverage technology to drive optimized working capital management and better customer experience but materially digitizing the entire supply chain (order to fulfillment cycle)

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Work closely with marketing, operations, and supply chain teams to ensure technological solutions support business objectives like inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service.

- Act as a key liaison between executive leadership and technical teams to communicate product vision, technological challenges, and opportunities.

Vendor & Partnership Management:

- Manage relationships with third-party vendors and technology partners to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of software and services.

- Negotiate contracts and assess performance of technology solutions to ensure alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

Qualifications:

- Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.

- Experience: 10+ years of experience in product management, technology leadership, or a related field, with significant experience in retail, e-commerce, or omni-channel environments.

- Experience with cloud technologies and open source technologies

- Proven experience leading digital transformation and deploying innovative retail technologies.

- Strong track record of building and managing high-performing, cross-functional teams.

- Deep understanding of omni-channel strategies, retail technologies (POS systems, e commerce platforms, CRM), and customer-centric product development.

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Skills and Competencies:

- Leadership: Inspirational leader capable of driving innovation, change, and performance in a fast-paced, competitive retail environment.

- Customer-Centric Mindset: Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences through technology.

- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and communicate a long-term vision for product and technology that aligns with business goals.

- Technical Expertise: Knowledge of retail technologies, including ERP, POS, CRM, and digital commerce platforms, as well as emerging trends like AI, machine learning, and cloud solutions.

- Collaboration: Strong cross-functional leadership skills, capable of building partnerships and aligning stakeholders around common goals.

- Agility: Comfortable navigating complex environments, adapting to change, and responding to evolving market trends and customer demands.

- Project Management: Ability to manage large-scale projects and deliver them on time and within budget.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- Time to market for new products and features.

- Customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS).

- Revenue growth driven by digital channels.

- Operational efficiency improvements through technology implementations.

- Employee engagement and retention in product and technology teams. - Scalability and performance of technology infrastructure.

Why Join Us?

- Lead the transformation of a fast-growing omni-channel retailer.

- Collaborate with an innovative leadership team passionate about customer experiences.

- Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. This role is pivotal for a retailer looking to stay competitive in a fast-changing landscape, balancing customer expectations and technological advancements.