Head of Technical Operations

SUMMARY:
A dynamic and innovative organisation is seeking a visionary Head of Technical Operations (HTO) to lead its Technical Division. This is a high-impact executive role, responsible for shaping the company’s technology strategy and overseeing end-to-end delivery across the technical landscape, both in South Africa and across borders. The ideal candidate will bring a balanced blend of strategic foresight, technical depth, and exceptional leadership ability to drive innovation, system excellence, and cross-functional team performance in a complex, asset-intensive environment.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage four core technical departments, each led by experienced Department Heads.
• Define and implement a forward-looking technology roadmap aligned with the company’s long-term strategic goals.
• Champion innovation and drive the commercialisation of emerging technologies.
• Ensure the secure, scalable, and reliable delivery of all technical systems, both in South Africa and internationally.
• Oversee technical resource planning, budgeting, and third-party vendor management.
• Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative, and motivated technical operations team.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for executives, clients, and key stakeholders.
• Drive operational excellence across development lifecycles, IT operations, and product delivery pipelines.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 10–15 years of progressive technical experience, including 5–7 years in senior leadership roles (e.g., CTO, VP of Engineering, Head of Technology).
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary technical teams (software, AI, hardware, IT) within complex, asset-intensive environments.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree (MBA or MSc in Technology Management, Data Science, etc.).
• Certifications in AI/ML, Cloud Architecture, or Cybersecurity.
• Industry exposure to sectors with regulatory, logistical, or infrastructure complexity.

Technical Expertise

• Full-stack systems, enterprise platforms, cloud-native environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), and APIs
• Deployment of machine learning models, automation frameworks, predictive analytics, and data pipelines
• Hands-on experience with embedded systems, telemetry, and integrated hardware-software solutions
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity, cloud/network infrastructure, and regulatory compliance
• Ability to lead teams from proof-of-concept through to full-scale product development

Leadership & Management Competencies

• Visionary thinker with a strong ability to translate strategic goals into measurable results.
• Strong governance, risk management, and delivery oversight experience.
• Skilled in Agile methodologies, team scaling, and technical talent retention.
• Exceptional communicator across C-suite, operational, and customer-facing contexts.

Key Attributes

• Continuously explores emerging technologies and their practical application
• Builds trusted relationships across all business functions
• Makes informed decisions under pressure with calm confidence
• Focused on delivering real business value and positive user experiences
• Operates with integrity, especially when handling data and mission-critical operations