Executive Director of Technology Operations

Role overview

The Executive Director of Technology Operations will steer the day-to-day and strategic running of the technology organization, making sure systems, infrastructure, development practices, and support processes are tightly aligned with business goals. This leader will connect long-term technology direction with execution, with a strong focus on governance, efficiency, security, and scale.

Technology operations strategy and execution

Design and roll out operating strategies for technology functions that support wider corporate and technology priorities. Convert roadmaps into practical plans with clear deliverables, and raise the bar on execution across software delivery, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud operations, and IT service management. Put governance structures in place so technology initiatives are delivered in a disciplined and effective way.

Program and portfolio leadership

Direct the planning, delivery, and oversight of enterprise technology projects and programs. Manage budgets, priorities, and resources across the portfolio to drive maximum value for the business. Keep programs on schedule, within scope, and inside budget, while also creating executive-level dashboards and reports that provide clear visibility into performance.

Process improvement and governance

Create consistent operational processes, policies, and procedures for the technology organization. Apply proven methods across SDLC, DevOps, ITSM, Agile, and project management. Improve efficiency through automation and workflow redesign, and ensure activities remain compliant with internal controls, governance expectations, and regulatory obligations.

Infrastructure, cloud, and service operations

Oversee core technology infrastructure, cloud environments, networks, and support operations. Maintain strong standards for availability, scalability, reliability, and performance. Strengthen service delivery through monitoring, incident handling, and problem resolution, and lead resilience efforts such as business continuity and disaster recovery.

Cybersecurity, risk, and compliance

Work closely with cybersecurity teams to protect enterprise systems, applications, and data. Identify operational technology risks and introduce practical mitigation measures. Ensure adherence to relevant regulations, security frameworks, and corporate governance rules, while setting clear escalation and response processes for critical technology issues.

Data, analytics, and performance management

Define and track technology KPIs, SLAs, and other performance indicators. Use analytics to uncover efficiency gains and inform operational decisions. Build reporting structures for executive leadership and lead improvement efforts based on performance trends and business needs.

Cross-functional partnership

Collaborate with product, engineering, IT, finance, HR, and business stakeholders to ensure technology operations support company priorities. Serve as a communication bridge between technical teams and non-technical partners, and help drive enterprise transformation and technology-enabled growth across global teams.

Leadership and organizational development

Lead and develop high-performing technology operations teams. Strengthen leadership depth through succession planning and talent development initiatives. Promote a culture built on accountability, innovation, operational discipline, and continuous improvement, while encouraging collaboration and employee engagement across the function.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline is required. A master’s degree or MBA is preferred.

This role calls for at least 18 years of experience in technology operations, IT management, engineering operations, or similar areas, including 8 or more years in senior leadership positions. Candidates should bring strong exposure to large-scale technology organizations, digital transformation programs, enterprise operations, software development operations, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology governance. Experience in multinational or fast-growing technology-led organizations is preferred.