This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The road to becoming a CTO is often a long journey, but that doesn’t make it any less rewarding and reputable.

• For startups, a CTO usually is a cofounder of the company who builds its prototype and product.
• That way, their organization will be equipped to facilitate operations and development.
• There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO) leads the team of engineering and products in a tech company.
• Their primary role is to meet the agreed delivery of IT services (such as cost, timing, functionality, and scalability) for core systems.
• Usually, they cover the sourcing process in different channels like social media, job websites, and others.

Today, digital transformation and innovation is at its fastest pace and a CTOs role in a company is to lead its organization in the innovation race. Here are some of the top emerging technologies that a CTO should prioritize or keep an eye going into year 2022 and beyond. While they don’t have to concern themselves with coding tasks (with the exception of start-ups and smaller companies), CTOs must have a solid background in development and knowledge of software architecture.

Chief Technology Officer Hard Skills

As a member of the C-suite, the CTO needs to possess natural leadership skills, including the ability to delegate tasks and inspire staff in their work. Because the role is dynamic and responsibilities can vary depending on the type and size of the organization, industry, and other factors, there isn’t really such thing as typical day for a CTO. The CTO is an executive in charge of its technological demands, together with its research chief technology officer responsibilities and advancement. Furthermore, the officer has to look for the company’s short and long-term needs and utilize the capital to further the objectives and plans formulated. The IT leadership role is a C-suite position in an almost-constant state of flux. Like any effective marketing tool, the final purpose of the job description is to have qualified readers (in this case, potential applicants) take the next step in your hiring process.

They are also expected to be skilled in security and privacy management, as they must work to prevent data leaks and breaches within the company. As the people in charge of the tech team, their responsibility lies in assembling skilled individuals who will work together to deliver a product or service. They support these teams through their guidance and expertise and set standards in multiple aspects of work, be it in tools, overall product delivery, or performance criteria. In contrast, the Chief Operating Officer oversees all company operations, including revenue streams, employee retention, customer satisfaction and the organization of departments. It is important to note that Chief Technology Officers and Chief Operating Officers may work closely together to maximize productivity among company employees.

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Exceptional management and communication skills could encourage a chief technology officer to understand and solve technical issues. While the exact form these roles take depends on a company’s size and position in their industry, the right CTO is one of the most important hires for your business. Use this CTO job description framework to craft a customized tool for finding the best candidates for your organization.

Further, in response to the move toward digital transformation, CTOs are asked to drive technological innovation and digital product development, while maintaining a keen eye on broader technology trends. This top technology executive role comes with great responsibility and several duties, as it is, after all, a job that requires extensive expertise and experience. Salary research specialist PayScale says popular skills for CTOs include expertise in software architecture, leadership, IT management, product development, and project management. However, CTOs are increasingly prized for their knowledge of pioneering areas of technology, such as digital products, technical vision and research and development (R&D).

Learn about technology

They should also have great communication skills in order to articulate these ideas to staff, other C-level executives, and partners. They should additionally be able to effectively delegate tasks to a team they have helped build and that they trust will do the work accordingly. A good Chief Technology Officer has excellent written and verbal communication, allowing them to communicate with other Executives or lower-level management in a clear and effective manner.

Usually, in companies where technology is a core part of the customer proposition e.g. technology-led companies, software companies, eCommerce, the CTO is usually the more senior role. This type of role is commonly found in organisations with large technology teams focused on the day-to-day running of IT. They provide leadership to groups that include enterprise architects, innovation managers, expert technology specialists, shared IT services. In 2019, Gartner developed several CTO personas based on analysis from a large CTO study, as well as CTO profiles and job descriptions. They found that it is important to know which CTO an organisation needs and where any gaps can be filled by other technology roles. In terms of qualifications, many organisations require an advanced degree such as an MBA, as the role involves a great deal of complex financial, business, and management skills.

How to use this CTO (Chief Technology Officer) job description template?

They will wear multiple hats and will require the hands-on experience of a range of skills including development, DevOps, risk, governance, and security. Although there is overlap between the two positions, since both deal with IT, CTOs generally look outward, using technology to improve the company’s customer experience—the use of the goods and services. CIOs generally look inward, developing and using technology to improve the company’s procedures and operations. Roughly 15+ years of experience in a tech role are critical to climbing the corporate ladder and becoming CTO. Generally, the more years of experience and knowledge in an industry, the higher your chances of reaching a C-suite position. Roles as software engineers, web development, or big data are some of the career positions a CTO may have held before their current role.

The CTO role became popular as the information technology (IT) industry grew, but it is also used in other industries such as e-commerce, healthcare, telecommunications, and government. Chief technology officers (CTOs) evaluate new technology and implement it to launch or improve goods and services for their firm’s clientele and customers. In 2009, the White House announced the appointment of the country’s very first CTO, an official in the Office of Science and Technology Policy. This official’s main focus is to use technology to help stimulate job creation, improve healthcare and security systems, and increase broadband access. We expect you to be well-versed in current technological trends and familiar with a variety of business concepts. If you are also an excellent communicator and public speaker, we’d like to meet you.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Definition, How to Become One, Average Salary

Before doing anything else, the CTO must work with the CEO and other executives to develop a technical strategy for the company. Your technical strategy must align with your company’s overall business objectives. So the CTO will need both technical skill and good business sense to successfully fulfill this responsibility.

« When we work well, we’re both able to leverage one another’s strengths, » he says. « Understanding our differences is key; the CTO is an inventor at heart and their role is on development, whereas a CIO is focused on mastering multiple skills with a view to acquiring technology or expertise rather than building it. » The job outlook for CTOs is good, as more companies go through digital transformations. With this heightened demand, employers know they need to compensate CTOs well for their advanced degrees and skills, and the challenges they may face regarding investments in business technology post-COVID. Regardless of the size, type, or maturity of the organisation, the CTO should be the most senior technology role in the business.

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This Chief Technology Officer (CTO) job description template is optimized for posting to online job boards or careers pages. Today, networking is a key factor in obtaining a better position in most industries. Meeting new professionals and maintaining professional relationships with industry leaders can influence your career. As long as you have the education and experience under your belt, nurturing professional relationships can lead you to achieve the position you have always wanted.