Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stake

Performance bonuses

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible PTO

Professional development

Stock options

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer for our fintech startup based in Mahikeng, North West. You will define the technology strategy, scale an engineering organization, and drive innovative payment solutions in a fast-paced hybrid environment.

Required are 10+ years in tech leadership, cloud architecture expertise, and a strong record of scaling platforms. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and ensure security and regulatory compliance while mentoring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s degree or PhD is a significant advantage for this executive role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the technology vision, strategy, and roadmap.
• Lead and manage the engineering and IT teams to foster innovation and excellence.
• Oversee design, development, deployment, and maintenance of scalable platforms.
• Ensure best practices in software development, cybersecurity, and data management.
• Manage the technology budget, infrastructure, software, and personnel costs.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance product offerings and efficiency.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, and operations to align tech with business goals.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and data privacy (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Mentor engineering talent and promote continuous learning.
• Advise the CEO and board on technical strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Software architecture

Cloud platforms

Microservices

DevOps

Cybersecurity

Agile

Strategic thinking

Budget management

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD (advantage)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a burgeoning fintech startup focused on innovative payment solutions, is seeking a forward-thinking and technically adept Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This executive role, based in Mahikeng, North West, will lead the company's technology vision, strategy, and execution. The CTO will be responsible for building and managing a high-performing engineering team, overseeing the development of robust and scalable technology platforms, and ensuring the company stays at the forefront of technological innovation in the fintech space. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of software architecture, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven track record in scaling technology operations in a startup environment and a passion for driving product innovation. This role requires strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to translate complex technical concepts into clear business strategies. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the technological future and competitive advantage of our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's technology vision, strategy, and roadmap.
• Lead and manage the engineering and IT teams, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Oversee the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of scalable and secure technology platforms.
• Ensure the adoption of best practices in software development, cybersecurity, and data management.
• Manage the technology budget, including infrastructure, software, and personnel costs.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance product offerings and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with product management, marketing, and operations teams to align technology initiatives with business goals.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and data privacy laws (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Mentor and develop engineering talent, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.
• Act as a technical advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A Master's degree or PhD is a significant advantage.
• 10+ years of experience in technology leadership roles, with a proven track record in software development, architecture, and scaling tech platforms.
• Significant experience in the fintech industry is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing engineering teams.
• Expertise in cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices architecture, and modern development methodologies (Agile, DevOps).
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience managing technology budgets and vendor relationships.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
• Commitment to working in a hybrid model.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant equity stake in the company.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Flexible paid time off policy.
• Opportunities for professional development, conferences, and training.
• Stock options and potential for significant financial growth.
• Work with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic startup environment in Mahikeng, North West.
• Regular team events and strategic offsite meetings.
• Support for professional certifications.