Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tech Officer
💰 $85,000 - $130,000
🎯 Role Definition
This role requires a dynamic and experienced Tech Officer to spearhead our organization's technology strategy and oversee all IT operations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of managing our entire technology stack, from infrastructure and security to user support and innovation. You will be the go-to expert for all things tech, responsible for ensuring our systems are secure, efficient, and scalable. This is a critical role that will directly impact our operational effectiveness and future growth by aligning our technology roadmap with our core business objectives.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Senior Systems Administrator
- IT Manager
- Network Engineer
- Senior IT Support Specialist
Advancement To:
- IT Director
- Head of Technology
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Director of Information Security
Lateral Moves:
- IT Project Manager
- Cybersecurity Architect
- Cloud Solutions Architect
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive technology strategy and long-term roadmap that aligns with the organization's strategic goals.
- Oversee the entire IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, cloud environments (AWS/Azure/GCP), and telecommunications systems, ensuring high availability and performance.
- Establish and enforce IT policies, best practices, and standard operating procedures to ensure system integrity, security, and regulatory compliance.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of robust cybersecurity measures to protect company data, systems, and assets from internal and external threats.
- Manage the full IT budget lifecycle, including forecasting, strategic procurement of hardware and software, and optimizing technology-related expenditures.
- Direct and manage all IT-related projects from conception through to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Administer and maintain key business applications and enterprise platforms, such as Microsoft 365/Google Workspace, ERP, and CRM systems.
- Manage relationships, negotiations, and contracts with technology vendors, service providers, and consultants to ensure quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
- Implement and regularly test comprehensive data backup strategies, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity protocols to minimize downtime and data loss.
- Act as the final escalation point for complex technical issues, providing expert-level support and troubleshooting to resolve critical incidents.
- Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and risk analyses to proactively identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, software, and hardware, providing recommendations to senior leadership on solutions that can enhance operational efficiency and competitive advantage.
- Manage user identity and access management (IAM) across all systems, including Active Directory/Azure AD, SSO, and application-specific permissions.
- Lead the organization's response to security incidents, system outages, and other critical events, coordinating efforts to ensure swift resolution.
- Automate routine administrative tasks and system processes using scripting languages like PowerShell, Python, or Bash to improve IT operational efficiency.
- Create and maintain meticulous documentation for IT systems, network architecture, security protocols, and operational processes.
- Ensure organizational compliance with relevant data protection and privacy regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA.
- Drive digital transformation initiatives by championing the adoption of new tools and modern workflows that improve business processes.
- Manage the complete lifecycle of IT assets, including procurement, deployment, inventory tracking, maintenance, and secure disposal.
- Develop and deliver IT training programs for staff to promote effective use of technology and reinforce security awareness and best practices.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
- Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
- Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
- Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
- Mentor junior IT staff and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Network Administration: Deep knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, routing, and firewall configuration (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco ASA).
- Cloud Infrastructure Management: Hands-on experience managing and scaling environments in AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Systems Administration: Expertise in administering both Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) and Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS) environments.
- Cybersecurity Principles: Strong understanding of IAM, IDS/IPS, endpoint detection and response (EDR), SIEM, and vulnerability management.
- Virtualization Technologies: Proficiency with VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, or other hypervisors.
- Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace Administration: In-depth experience managing user accounts, security policies, and applications within these suites.
- Scripting and Automation: Ability to automate tasks using PowerShell, Python, or Bash.
- Active Directory & Identity Management: Expertise in managing Active Directory, Azure AD, Group Policy, and Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions.
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Proven experience in designing, implementing, and testing backup and disaster recovery solutions.
- IT Project Management: Familiarity with project management methodologies like Agile or Scrum for tracking and delivering technical projects.
Soft Skills
- Strategic Thinking & Vision
- Leadership & Team Mentorship
- Exceptional Written & Verbal Communication
- Complex Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills
- Vendor Negotiation & Stakeholder Management
- Project Management & Organizational Acumen
- Adaptability & Eagerness for Continuous Learning
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
Preferred Education:
- Master's degree in a technology or business field.
- Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, AWS/Azure Certified Solutions Architect, or ITIL.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems (MIS)
- Cybersecurity
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 5-8 years of progressive experience in IT, with at least 2-3 years in a management, lead, or senior strategic role.
Preferred:
- Demonstrated experience managing a hybrid on-premise and cloud infrastructure.
- Proven track record of leading significant IT projects, such as cloud migrations, ERP implementations, or security overhauls.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.