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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tech Officer

💰 $85,000 - $130,000

Information TechnologyIT ManagementSystems AdministrationCybersecurity

🎯 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.