Chief Information Technology Officer

Summary

The Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) leads enterprise technology strategy, operations, security, and systems alignment across the enterprise of Russell family businesses (Concessionaire, Construction, Program Management, and Real Estate). This role ensures technology investments deliver consistent, secure, and scalable solutions that support day-to-day operations and long-term growth. The CITO connects multiple business units under one enterprise framework and ensures all technology initiatives are business focused, customer focused, and operationally sound.

This role will advance an IT strategy that supports customer experience and operational efficiency. This will include leadership that elevates customer-facing innovation and digital platforms. The role will integrate enterprise-wide technology that strengthens performance across all Russell-owned companies.

This role blends forward-thinking leadership with hands-on execution. It requires effective use of technology to create cost savings, process optimization, and improved service delivery. The CITO will strengthen infrastructure, oversee vendors, improve data integrity, and apply practical AI and automation tools that raise performance, accuracy, and visibility across the enterprise.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Enterprise Technology Strategy and Governance

• Establish governance, architecture, and security frameworks that ensure consistency, scalability, and compliance across all business units.
• Partner with Concessions, Real Estate, Construction, Program Management, VDC, Digital Transformation, Scheduling, Safety, Legal, HR, and Finance, to align technology investments with business priorities.
• Oversee the platform governance of the enterprise data strategy including integration, data integrity, analytics, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with business-led digital transformation functions by providing secure, scalable platforms, governance, and enterprise integration.
• Manage IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, vendors, and enterprise technology performance.
• Integrate IT into enterprise-wide strategic business planning.
• Provide enterprise strategy, integration, and governance for IoT and connected device ecosystems, across Concessions, Real Estate, and Construction environments.
• Enable workflows automation across platforms to reduce manual processes, improve data accuracy, and scale operations.

Technology Alignment and Delivery

• Translate enterprise goals into actionable technology plans that improve efficiency, connectivity, and collaboration.
• Align IT systems with business goals, including POS systems, inventory, and customer data platforms.
• Lead implementation and upgrades of core systems including ERP, HRIS, POS, inventory platforms, intranet, and learning systems.
• Support the implementation and enterprise integration of construction and program management technology platforms in partnership with operations, VDC, and Digital Transformation leadership.
• Oversee daily IT operations, service delivery, help desk support, and vendor management.
• Ensure IT systems are secure, scalable, compliant, and results oriented.

Applied AI and Automation

• Identify realistic, high-impact opportunities to use AI and automation to streamline workflows, reporting, forecasting, and data analysis.
• Implement AI-enabled solutions across functions such as talent analytics, budgeting, customer analytics, and predictive maintenance.
• Collaborate with business and operational leaders to enable AI and automation initiatives by establishing secure data platforms, integration standards, and governance, while supporting piloted use cases led by domain experts across the enterprise.
• Drive customer-facing innovation and digital experience improvements across the enterprise.

Data, Security, and Governance

• Serve as the primary cybersecurity officer and compliance for the enterprise in partnership with internal leaders and external providers.
• Establish consistent data practices that support accurate reporting, transparency, and informed decision-making.
• Ensure systems are secure and scalable.
• Monitor systems and detect risks using analytics and proactive governance practices.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead an internal IT team and external service providers to ensure consistent service and strong support across all sites and businesses.
• Collaborate closely with Concessions, Real Estate, Finance, HR, Marketing, Operations, Construction, Program Management, brand leaders, and external partners to ensure technology alignment and enterprise-wide consistency.
• Communicate system updates, risks, and technology recommendations to senior leadership in a clear, direct, and actionable manner.
• Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and drive cost efficiency strategies through technology.
• Support structured change management, training strategies, and role-based deployment models in partnership with business leaders.
• Mentor and develop the technology team.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department. Performs supervisory duties in alignment with Company policies and applicable laws, including planning, assigning, and directing work, as well as managing employee’s performance and development in collaboration with Human Resources.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten or more years of progressive IT leadership with experience overseeing enterprise systems, infrastructure, and multi-site operations.
• Hands-on experience implementing or managing AI, automation, or digital transformation tools.
• Strong project management, budgeting, vendor management, and execution skills.
• Proven ability to lead technological initiatives across multiple businesses or complex organizations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate technical solutions into clear business value.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; extreme cold; extreme heat; explosives; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Why Work For Us?

Simply stated, we put people first. As part of our Mission Statement, we strive to earn the loyalty of our employees through a demonstrated commitment to their development and through rewarding exemplary performance. We take the time to get to know our employees personally and together develop individualized plans for career advancement and fulfillment Russell. Our goal is to provide career growth and development which allows employees to envision and desire a long-term career with our company.

Our culture is rooted in the Russell Fundamentals, a series of 25 characteristics that guide the behavior of our employees and include key tenants like Do the right thing, always; Embrace diversity; Show meaningful appreciation; Deliver results; and Keep things fun. Our intentional focus on creating an outstanding workplace experience has earned our firm numerous recognitions, including being named 2025 Best & Brightest Workplace, USA Today’s Top Workplaces in 2024 and 2025, and earning awards for Cultural Excellence in the areas of Leadership, Innovation, Compensation and Benefits, and Purpose and Values. In a recent survey, 90% of our employees said that the company motivates them to give their very best at work and 85% report feeling respected and supported in their roles.

In addition to our exceptional culture, we offer the following suite of benefits:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Sponsored Life & AD&D
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k) with Employer Matching Contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance & Other Voluntary Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.