Chief Technology Officer; CTO

Our client, a pioneering Fin Tech 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 Fin Tech landscape.

• 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 Fin Tech, 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.

• 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 Fin Tech 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.

• 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 Fin Tech leader in South Africa
  .