Chief Technology Officer - CTO

First Financial Bankshares; Terre Haute (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) match

ESOP

Banking benefits

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Job summary

First Financial Bank is seeking a seasoned Chief Technology Officer in Terre Haute, IN, to lead infrastructure and technology operations, translating strategy into a secure, scalable environment. You will guide critical systems, foster strong teams, and balance innovation with reliability in a regulated banking setting.

You’ll partner with the CIO on priorities, oversee budgets and vendor relationships, and drive resilience, incident response, and continuous improvement across the technology

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Business Technology, or related field; master’s preferred.
• 10+ years of technology leadership experience in infrastructure and operations.
• Experience with enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, networking, IAM, endpoints, and IT operations.
• Banking or regulated environments experience preferred.
• Strong cybersecurity, risk management, and regulatory compliance understanding.
• Proven ability to manage teams, budgets, vendors, and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee architecture, modernization, performance, and lifecycle of enterprise networks, servers, storage, cloud infrastructure, endpoints, IAM, backup and recovery.
• Establish standards for monitoring, incident management, patching, vulnerability remediation, and change management.
• Maintain disaster recovery and operational resilience capabilities for critical operations.
• Partner with the CIO to implement infrastructure priorities and modernization projects.
• Lead, coach, and develop technology professionals with clear priorities and standards.
• Oversee operating and capital budgets, technology assets, licensing, contracts, and procurement with focus on value.
• Collaborate with Information Security, Risk, Compliance, Audit, and other IT teams to ensure strong controls.
• Stay current on cloud, automation, AI, and emerging technologies and translate them into practical solutions.

Skills

Cloud infrastructure

Networking

IT operations

Security & risk

Budget management

Vendor management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Master's degree preferred

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Officer Ops Ctr IN, Terre Haute, IN, US

9 days ago Requisition ID: 3179

Status: Full-Time, Salary Exempt

Why Join First Financial Bank?

At First Financial Bank, technology is central to how we operate, grow, and serve our customers—and we continue to invest in modern infrastructure, cloud capabilities, automation, AI, and other technologies that move our organization forward.

As Chief Technology Officer, you’ll lead the infrastructure and technology operations that make that progress possible. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, you’ll translate enterprise technology strategy into a secure, resilient, scalable, and high-performing technology environment while leading the teams responsible for critical systems and services across the Bank.

This is an opportunity for an experienced technology leader who enjoys building strong teams, modernizing complex environments, solving operational challenges, and balancing innovation with the reliability and discipline required in financial services.

What You’ll Do

• Lead technology infrastructure: Oversee the architecture, modernization, performance, and lifecycle of enterprise networks, servers, storage, cloud infrastructure, endpoints, identity platforms, backup and recovery technologies, and related services.
• Drive reliable technology operations: Establish standards and lead monitoring, incident and problem management, patching, vulnerability remediation, change management, service restoration, and continuous operational improvement.
• Strengthen resilience: Maintain effective backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and operational resilience capabilities that protect critical Bank operations and support business continuity.
• Turn strategy into execution: Partner with the CIO to implement infrastructure priorities, modernization efforts, technology projects, and emerging capabilities that support the Bank’s broader technology strategy.
• Build and develop strong teams: Lead, coach, and develop technology professionals while establishing clear priorities, accountability, technical standards, and opportunities for continued growth.
• Manage technology investments: Oversee assigned operating and capital budgets, technology assets, licensing, contracts, procurement, and vendor relationships with a focus on performance, value, and long-term sustainability.
• Partner across the organization: Work closely with Information Security, Risk, Compliance, Audit, other IT teams, and business stakeholders to maintain strong controls and deliver practical, secure, and supportable technology solutions.
• Evaluate what’s next: Stay current on cloud technologies, automation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure capabilities, and other emerging technologies and recommend opportunities that can strengthen the Bank’s operations and technology environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Business Technology, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressively responsible technology experience, including leadership of enterprise infrastructure and technology operations
• Experience with enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, networking, identity and access management, endpoint management, and IT operations (backup, recovery, monitoring, and lifecycle management)
• Experience in banking, financial services, or other regulated environments strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity, risk management, audit requirements, and regulatory compliance expectations
• Demonstrated success leading technical teams, managing performance, and overseeing technology budgets, vendors, contracts, and procurement
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Relevant certifications (Microsoft, Cisco, cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, or IT service management) preferred
• Ability to review and interpret detailed technical documentation, system configurations, reports, contracts, and budgets
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing computer-based work; ability to move throughout office, data center, and other Bank environments and travel as needed
• Ability to maintain focus and sound decision-making during critical incidents, competing priorities, and time-sensitive operational situations
• Regular and reliable attendance with availability to support technology operations, including response to significant incidents or service disruptions when required

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Financial Perks: 401(k) match, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), and banking benefits.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, including 11 Federal Reserve bank holidays.
• Growth Opportunities: Tuition assistance and professional development programs.
• A Supportive Culture: Integrity, collaboration, innovation, and respect are at the heart of what we do.

Who We Are

First Financial Bank is a dynamic financial institution with over $6+ billion in assets and a proud history dating back to 1834. With more than 75 banking centers across five states , we are committed to empowering our clients, fostering personal growth, and building community.

Joining First Financial Bank means becoming part of a legacy where your work directly contributes to the stability and growth of the communities we serve. Here, you are more than an employee; you are an essential member of a team dedicated to living out the values of "One First" every day. Be part of a bank that values your contributions and invests in your future!

First Financial Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.