Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Automotive Dealership Group

Position Summary

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for developing and executing the dealership group's technology strategy to improve profitability, operational efficiency, customer experience, cybersecurity, and long-term growth. The CTO oversees all technology systems across the organization, including dealership management systems (DMS), CRM platforms, fixed operations technology, digital retailing, artificial intelligence initiatives, cybersecurity, data analytics, infrastructure, and emerging automotive technologies.

This executive works closely with the SVP, CFO, General Managers, Fixed Operations Directors, and Sales Leadership to ensure technology becomes a competitive advantage throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy

• Develop and execute the dealership's long-term technology roadmap.
• Evaluate emerging technologies including AI, automation, predictive analytics, and connected vehicle platforms.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives across all dealership operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability through technology.

Systems Management

• Oversee all dealership technology platforms including:
• Dealership Management System (DMS)
• CRM platforms
• Service scheduling
• Digital retailing
• Inventory management
• Accounting systems
• Business intelligence platforms
• Ensure seamless integration between all software applications.
• Manage relationships with software vendors and technology partners.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Develop enterprise cybersecurity policies and procedures.
• Protect customer information and dealership assets.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer, federal, and state technology requirements.
• Oversee disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Data & Business Intelligence

• Build dashboards and KPIs for executive leadership.
• Develop real-time reporting across:
• Sales
• Fixed Operations
• Parts
• Finance & Insurance
• Marketing
• Leverage data to improve operational performance and profitability.

Artificial Intelligence & Automation

• Lead implementation of AI-powered customer engagement tools.
• Deploy automation to reduce administrative work.
• Utilize predictive analytics for inventory management and service operations.
• Identify AI applications that improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Infrastructure

• Manage all networking, cloud services, telecommunications, and hardware.
• Ensure maximum uptime for all dealership locations.
• Standardize technology across the organization.

Fixed Operations Technology

• Improve technician productivity through technology.
• Optimize service scheduling and workflow systems.
• Enhance customer communication throughout the repair process.
• Implement digital inspections and service lane technology.

Customer Experience

• Improve online purchasing and digital retail capabilities.
• Optimize website performance and customer engagement tools.
• Enhance mobile and omnichannel customer experiences.
• Increase customer retention through technology-driven communication.

Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and lead the dealership's IT and technology team.
• Establish technology standards and governance.
• Manage departmental budgets and technology investments.
• Present strategic initiatives to executive leadership and ownership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive technology leadership experience.
• Experience within automotive retail or multi-location retail operations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of dealership operations, including:
• Sales
• Service
• Parts
• Finance & Insurance
• Experience with dealership technologies such as:
• Reynolds & Reynolds
• CDK
• Dealertrack
• Tekion
• Xtime
• VinSolutions
• DealerSocket
• Reynolds ERA
• Experience leading enterprise technology projects.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure.
• Knowledge of AI, automation, and business intelligence platforms.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Digital Transformation
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Analytics
• Change Management
• Vendor Management
• Financial Acumen
• Executive Communication
• Operational Excellence
• Innovation
• Team Development

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Technology uptime (99.9%+)
• Cybersecurity compliance
• ROI on technology investments
• Employee technology adoption
• Customer digital engagement
• Service department efficiency improvements
• Reduction in manual processes
• System integration performance
• Cost savings through automation
• Executive dashboard utilization
• Customer satisfaction (CSI)
• Fixed operations productivity
• Digital retail conversion rates

Compensation

• Competitive executive base salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Long-term incentive opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Professional development and certification support

Ideal Candidate

The ideal CTO is a visionary technology executive who understands both automotive retail operations and enterprise technology. This individual is a strategic thinker, a hands-on problem solver, and an innovative leader capable of leveraging technology to drive measurable improvements in profitability, efficiency, employee productivity, and customer satisfaction across the dealership organization.

Pay: $150,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance

Work Location: In person