Chief Technology Officer at Boardroom Appointments

• A leading public-sector ICT organisation is seeking an experienced Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to provide strategic and executive leadership across technology, digital transformation, ICT governance, enterprise systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity and technology-enabled service delivery.
• This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a technology leader who can translate organisational strategy into a modern, secure, scalable and digitally enabled technology environment.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping and executing the organisation's technology strategy while leading major transformation initiatives that support operational excellence, digital inclusion, connectivity and improved stakeholder experience.

THE OPPORTUNITY

• As Chief Technology Officer, you will provide strategic direction across the organisation's technology landscape, ensuring that ICT is positioned as a key enabler of business performance and organisational transformation.
• You will lead the modernisation of technology platforms, strengthen ICT governance and cybersecurity, optimise infrastructure and enterprise systems, and ensure that technology investments deliver measurable organisational value.
• This role requires an executive who can operate at Board, Executive and operational level, while also having the technical depth and leadership capability to drive complex technology programmes through to successful implementation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Technology Strategy & Digital Transformation

• Develop and execute the organisation's ICT and digital transformation strategy.
• Align technology investment and delivery with organisational strategy and business priorities.
• Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation and technology modernisation initiatives.
• Identify and leverage emerging technologies, including AI, data analytics, IoT, automation and cybersecurity solutions.
• Drive technology innovation that improves operational efficiency, stakeholder experience and digital inclusion.
• Provide strategic technology advice to the Executive and relevant governance structures.

ICT Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish and maintain effective ICT governance frameworks, policies and controls.
• Ensure alignment with relevant public-sector legislation, regulations and governance requirements.
• Strengthen ICT risk management, business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Oversee technology-related audit findings, risk mitigation and compliance programmes.
• Promote strong governance principles, accountability and ethical technology management.

Enterprise Technology & Infrastructure

• Provide executive oversight of enterprise infrastructure, networks, connectivity and technology platforms.
• Ensure the availability, resilience, scalability and security of critical ICT environments.
• Oversee enterprise systems, applications, integrations and technology architecture.
• Drive modernisation of legacy systems and implementation of fit-for-purpose technology solutions.
• Ensure appropriate cybersecurity, access control, monitoring, backup and disaster recovery capabilities.

Business Systems & Digital Enablement

• Lead the implementation and optimisation of enterprise systems and digital platforms.
• Drive business process automation and technology-enabled operational improvement.
• Ensure technology projects follow appropriate architecture, SDLC, project management and change-management principles.
• Ensure technology solutions are user-focused, scalable and aligned to organisational requirements.

Vendor, Contract & Stakeholder Management

• Provide executive oversight of strategic ICT suppliers and service providers.
• Ensure effective management of contracts, SLAs, performance and service delivery.
• Drive value from technology partnerships and procurement investments.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, government entities, technology partners and external service providers.

Executive Leadership & People

• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing ICT function.
• Build organisational technology capability and succession pipelines.
• Establish a culture of accountability, innovation, service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage ICT budgets, resources, assets and strategic investments effectively.
• Provide clear executive reporting on ICT performance, risks, programmes and strategic initiatives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• We are looking for a seasoned technology executive, not simply a technical manager.

You should ideally bring:

• A relevant Bachelor's Degree / National Diploma at NQF Level 7 or equivalent in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience within ICT, with significant experience in senior ICT leadership and management.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation and technology modernisation.
• Strong experience in ICT governance, risk management, cybersecurity and technology compliance.
• Experience overseeing enterprise infrastructure, systems, applications, networks and technology operations.
• Experience managing large technology programmes, budgets, vendors and strategic service providers.
• Public-sector experience is highly advantageous, particularly within a complex regulatory or government environment.
• Experience engaging with Boards, Executives, senior stakeholders and governance committees.
• Relevant professional certifications such as ITIL, COBIT, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent will be advantageous.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You are a strategic technology leader who:

• Thinks beyond technology and understands business and organisational strategy.
• Can translate complex technology issues into clear executive-level decisions.
• Has successfully led large-scale transformation and change.
• Understands both technology strategy and operational execution.
• Has strong governance, risk and commercial awareness.
• Can lead through complexity, transformation and competing stakeholder requirements.
• Builds high-performing teams and develops future technology leaders.
• Is comfortable operating in a public-sector, regulated and highly accountable environment.
• Is passionate about using technology to create meaningful organisational and societal impact.

WHY THIS ROLE?

• This is an opportunity to take a strategic technology leadership position within a nationally significant ICT environment.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Shape and execute enterprise-wide technology strategy.
• Lead significant digital transformation initiatives.
• Influence technology investment and organisational modernisation.
• Drive cybersecurity, governance and technology resilience.
• Enable digital access, connectivity and improved service delivery.
• Work directly with senior executives and key stakeholders.
• Build and lead a high-performing technology function.
• Make a measurable impact through technology at national level.