Meeting the Qualifications for the Chief Technology Officer Job Description

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With technological trends greatly influencing businesses today, it is a must for companies to have their chief technology officer (CTO).

In most companies, the CTO is in charge of the technological leadership. 

Additionally, the chief technology officer job description also incorporates business, innovation, R&D, infrastructure, strategy, management skills, and sometimes finance.

Read on to find out more about the chief technology officer job description, duties and responsibilities, and qualifications. See if you are up to take the next step.

Chief Technology Officer Job Description

A chief technology is a top executive whose main duty is to oversee the company’s technology. They are expected to align technological trends with business goals.

When looking for the chief technology job description, the company template often includes the following roles.

Technology Leadership

The main job description of a CTO is using technology to achieve business goals. They must strongly strategize and clearly envision the company to stay competitive in the business.

It is also the job of a CTO to communicate their strategy and vision to both their technical and non-technical employees. Skills development should be a  priority to ensure a high-performing team.

Technology Governance

The CTO will manage several projects. At the same time, they must also be able to deliver the demands of the customers.

It is part of the chief technology officer’s job to direct projects to optimize the company’s technological resources, architecture, infrastructure, and long-term needs.

Innovation and R&D

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As the chief technology officer, they must be knowledgeable in trends and new technologies. This includes studying customer intelligence and performing competitor analysis.

They are also expected to be highly technical. Consequently, this can attract new talents, get great vendor deals, and impress customers.

A good way to innovate and study is by having strategic partnerships with start-ups, vendors, and other technology companies.

Software and product development

A CTO is also greatly involved in software and product development to meet the customer’s requirements and expectations.

The CTO may work with the Chief Product Officer (CPO) and incorporate technological advances to build and innovate products.

Their job may also be involved in UI, design, development operations, and technical support for customers.

Business IT

The core of a chief technology officer’s job is managing the business IT system such as:

• ERP
• Finance
• CRP

A chief technology officer’s job also includes being on the constant lookout for technologies to improve the company’s operations.

Examples of business IT areas:

• Networking
• Security and compliance
• Digitizing business operations
• Technology operations and support

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) vs Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Oftentimes, the role of a CTO is confused with that of a CIO or a chief information officer. Traditionally, a CTO and a CIO are distinguished by:

CTO: Externals

• Mainly support external technological needs of the company
• May be involved in making technical proposition for costumes
• Sometimes referred to as the face of the company’s technological offerings

CIO: Internals

• Involved with the daily internal operations of the company
• Ensures that the company runs efficiently and effectively using the best technology

Qualifications of a Chief Technology Officer

The chief technology officer job description consists of crucial duties and responsibilities for the company’s business and technological resources.

Below is an example of the template that companies usually have when looking for a chief technology officer.

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Degree

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or other related field is usually required for the chief technology officer job.

A master’s degree in the related fields of computer science, information technology, and better, an MBA gives you a great advantage to earn the position.

Work Experience and Career Path

Since a chief technology officer is part of the c-suite, it would take about 15 years of work experience before one can be considered for the role.

Relevant field of experience and responsibilities:

• Network architect
• Big data engineering
• Information security management
• Security engineering
• Web software development

CTOs are also expected to have held managerial positions for about five years or so before applying.

Skills

Aside from technical skills, CTOs are also expected to be proficient in the following areas:

• Business and management skills
• Strategic and visionary thinking
• Communication skills
• Decision-making skills
• Leadership
• Organization

Certifications 

Additionally, CTOs commonly have the following certifications which aid in their technology leadership role in the company.

Software certifications

• Certified ScrumMaster
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library
• Google Developers Certification

Project Management

• PMI Agile, CompTIA Project +
• Certified Associate in Project Management

Salary

The average salary in the U.S. is about $132,833, annually. On top of this is profit-sharing averaging to $25,000 per year. 

The Next Step

Think you are qualified to be a chief technology officer? Capital Recruiting will help you take the next step!

The application process is easy! Submit your resume today and fulfill your goal of becoming a CTO!