Chief Technology Officer

Role OverviewA confidential government entity in Riyadh is seeking an accomplished Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead its enterprise technology agenda.Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CTO will define and execute the entity’s technology strategy, modernize its digital infrastructure and platforms, and ensure that technology effectively supports its mandate and transformation priorities.The successful candidate will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and provide strategic direction across enterprise architecture, technology delivery, infrastructure, cloud, applications, data platforms, innovation, and technology governance.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute the entity-wide technology strategy and roadmap.Advise the CEO and executive leadership on technology priorities, investments, risks, and emerging trends.Align technology initiatives with the entity’s strategic and operational objectives.Lead enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cloud, applications, integration, and technology platforms.Oversee the modernization of legacy systems and adoption of scalable digital solutions.Establish technology governance, architecture standards, policies, and decision-making frameworks.Lead the delivery of major technology programs within agreed scope, budget, quality, and timelines.Strengthen system availability, performance, resilience, business continuity, and disaster recovery.Guide the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, data platforms, and emerging technologies.Ensure technology environments comply with applicable Saudi government regulations and standards.Partner with cybersecurity leadership to protect systems, data, and critical technology assets.Oversee technology budgets, procurement, contracts, licensing, and vendor performance.Establish performance indicators and executive dashboards for technology delivery and service quality.Build and develop a high-performing technology organization with strong internal capabilities.Manage relationships with government stakeholders, strategic partners, technology providers, and advisers.Strategic PrioritiesThe appointed CTO will be expected to:Establish a clear enterprise technology strategy and target architecture.Modernize legacy platforms, infrastructure, and core applications.Improve technology delivery, reliability, security, and user experience.Accelerate cloud adoption, integration, automation, and data enablement.Strengthen technology governance and investment prioritization.Introduce practical and responsible applications of AI and emerging technologies.Reduce vendor dependency by building sustainable internal capabilities.Position technology as a strategic enabler of the entity’s mandate.Candidate ProfileMinimum of 15 years of progressive technology experience, including at least five years in executive or senior technology leadership.Proven experience leading a broad technology portfolio within a large, complex, or transforming organization.Strong track record in technology strategy, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cloud, applications, and digital transformation.Demonstrated experience delivering major technology programs and modernizing legacy environments.Experience managing significant budgets, vendors, contracts, and multidisciplinary teams.Strong understanding of technology governance, cybersecurity, resilience, data management, and risk.Knowledge of relevant Saudi government technology, cloud, data, and cybersecurity requirements.Experience advising chief executives, boards, or senior executive committees.Government, semi-government, or large regulated-enterprise experience is highly desirable.Strong strategic judgment, executive presence, integrity, and stakeholder-management skills.Full professional fluency in Arabic and English.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline.A master’s degree, MBA, or equivalent postgraduate qualification is preferred.Relevant certifications in enterprise architecture, cloud, IT governance, cybersecurity, or program management are desirable.