Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Performance bonuses

Health benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Chief Technology Officer to lead technology strategy for a high-growth FinTech startup based in Pretoria, Gauteng. You will define the architectural roadmap, oversee software development and IT infrastructure, and drive innovation in blockchain and AI-driven financial solutions.

This hybrid role requires strong leadership, talent recruitment, scalable security, and strategic collaboration with the CEO and executive team to shape South Africa's fintech landscape.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10–15+ years of software engineering and technology leadership experience in FinTech.
• Proven CTO/VP-level startup leadership.
• Expertise in cloud platforms, security, data management, blockchain, and AI/ML in finance.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technology strategy and roadmap.
• Oversee software development, architecture, testing, and deployment.
• Lead engineering and IT teams with a culture of innovation.
• Ensure security, scalability, and reliability of infrastructure.
• Recruit, onboard, and retain top technology talent.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cloud computing

Software architecture

Team scaling

Communication skills

Blockchain & AI in finance

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Cybersecurity

Data management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering FinTech startup poised for significant expansion, is seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead its technology strategy and execution. This high-impact executive role, based in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA, will be responsible for defining the company's technological roadmap, overseeing software development, managing IT infrastructure, and driving innovation in blockchain and AI-driven financial solutions. The CTO will play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top engineering talent, ensuring the scalability and security of our platform, and making critical decisions that shape the future of the company. We are looking for a strategic leader with a deep technical background and a passion for disrupting the financial services industry. This position operates under a hybrid model, combining essential in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. The ideal candidate will possess a proven ability to lead complex technology projects from inception to deployment and contribute significantly to the company's success in the South African FinTech landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company's overall technology strategy and roadmap, aligning with business objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of software development, including architecture, coding, testing, and deployment for our Pretoria-based operations.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the engineering and IT teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high performance.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, security, and performance of the company's technology infrastructure and platforms.
• Drive research and development into emerging technologies, particularly in FinTech, blockchain, and AI, and assess their potential application.
• Manage the technology budget, resource allocation, and vendor relationships effectively.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, COO, and other executive team members to align technology initiatives with business strategy.
• Implement and enforce best practices in software development, data security, and IT governance.
• Represent the company's technology vision to investors, partners, and the broader industry.
• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of top technology talent.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in software engineering and technology leadership, with a significant portion in FinTech or related high-growth sectors in South Africa.
• Proven experience as a CTO or VP of Engineering in a startup or high-growth technology company.
• Deep expertise in software architecture, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), cybersecurity, and data management.
• Strong understanding of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and AI/ML applications in finance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and scale engineering teams effectively.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience managing technology budgets and working within a hybrid work environment.
• Passion for innovation and a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including significant equity options, a substantial base salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.
• You will be working in a cutting-edge environment in Pretoria, contributing to game-changing innovations in the financial sector.
• The hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, and the company culture emphasizes innovation, growth, and impact.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the technological future of a rapidly expanding FinTech leader in South Africa.