Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

Performance bonus

Hybrid work

Professional development

401(k) plan

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a visionary Chief Technology Officer to lead the technology strategy from its Polokwane, Limpopo offices in a hybrid role that balances on-site leadership with remote work. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in scaling engineering teams, driving digital transformation, and aligning technology with ambitious business goals in FinTech or SaaS.

Responsibilities include defining the tech roadmap, overseeing architecture, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP),

Qualifications

• Masters in Computer Science or related field; PhD a plus.
• Proven leadership in technology across architecture, cloud platforms, cybersecurity and data engineering.
• Experience scaling engineering teams in FinTech or SaaS contexts.
• Strong communication and ability to translate business strategy into technical plans.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute technology vision, strategy and roadmap.
• Lead and scale engineering, product development and IT operations teams.
• Oversee architecture, development and deployment of software and solutions.
• Ensure security, scalability, reliability and performance of infrastructure.
• Drive innovation with emerging technologies to enhance products.
• Manage budget, resources and vendor relationships.
• Establish IT governance, risk management and compliance.

Skills

Software architecture

Cloud computing

Cybersecurity

Data engineering

AI/ML

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science

PhD ideal

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly scaling FinTech company at the forefront of digital financial services innovation, is searching for a visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead their technology strategy and execution from their offices in **Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA**. This executive position requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in developing and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions, scaling engineering teams, and driving digital transformation. The CTO will oversee all aspects of technology development, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT operations, ensuring alignment with the company's ambitious business goals. This is a hybrid role, offering a dynamic environment that balances strategic leadership at our **Polokwane** base with the flexibility of remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company's overall technology vision, strategy, and roadmap.
• Lead and scale the engineering, product development, and IT operations teams.
• Oversee the architecture, design, development, and deployment of all software and technology solutions.
• Ensure the security, scalability, reliability, and performance of the company's technology infrastructure.
• Drive innovation by identifying and integrating emerging technologies to enhance products and services.
• Manage the technology budget, resource allocation, and vendor relationships.
• Establish and enforce robust IT governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, product teams, and business units to align technology initiatives with strategic objectives.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning within the technology department.
• Represent the company's technology vision to stakeholders, investors, and the wider industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field; PhD is a plus.
• 12+ years of experience in technology leadership roles, with a minimum of 5 years as a CTO, VP of Engineering, or equivalent senior technology executive.
• Proven experience in scaling technology platforms and teams for high-growth companies, particularly in the FinTech or SaaS space.
• Deep expertise in software architecture, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), cybersecurity, data engineering, and AI/ML.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into actionable technology plans.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance within the financial services industry.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence decision-making at all levels.
• Experience in managing distributed and hybrid technology teams.
• Previous experience working within the **Limpopo** region or a similar economic landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Executive-level annual salary ranging from R upwards, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Significant stock options and performance-based equity.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous bonus structure tied to company performance and strategic technology milestones.
• Flexible hybrid working model with ample autonomy.
• Budget for professional development, conferences, and personal growth.
• 401(k) plan with substantial employer contribution.
• Opportunity to shape the technological future of a leading FinTech innovator in **Polokwane**.