Executive Director of Technology Operations

Role overview

The Executive Director of Technology Operations will own the direction, governance, and day-to-day execution of the organization’s technology operations. This leader will make sure technology systems, infrastructure, development practices, and support activities are tightly connected to business goals, run efficiently, remain secure, and can scale with the company.

This position acts as the connection point between technology planning and operational delivery, with a focus on execution discipline, governance, digital transformation, and close collaboration across functions to support long-term growth and innovation.

Technology operations strategy and execution

• Create and roll out technology operations plans that support corporate and technology priorities.
• Convert technology roadmaps into practical operating plans with clear, measurable outcomes.
• Strengthen operational performance across software development, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud operations, and IT service delivery.
• Set up governance structures that improve the execution of technology initiatives.

Program and portfolio management

• Direct the planning, delivery, and completion of enterprise technology programs and projects.
• Manage technology portfolios, budgets, staffing, and priorities to deliver maximum business value.
• Ensure initiatives are completed on schedule, within scope, and within approved budgets.
• Build executive-level dashboards and reporting tools to improve visibility into technology performance.

Process optimization and governance

• Design, standardize, and maintain operating processes, policies, and procedures for technology functions.
• Apply proven practices across SDLC, DevOps, ITSM, Agile, and project management methods.
• Improve efficiency through automation and streamlined workflows.
• Maintain adherence to internal controls, governance expectations, and regulatory obligations.

Infrastructure, cloud, and service operations

• Oversee enterprise infrastructure, cloud environments, networks, and operational support services.
• Maintain strong availability, scalability, reliability, and performance across systems.
• Advance service quality through monitoring, incident handling, and problem resolution.
• Lead business continuity, disaster recovery, and operational resilience efforts.

Cybersecurity, risk, and compliance

• Work with cybersecurity teams to protect systems, applications, and data assets.
• Identify operational technology risks and put mitigation measures in place.
• Support compliance with industry rules, security standards, and corporate governance requirements.
• Define escalation and risk management procedures for critical technology operations.

Data, analytics, and performance management

• Set and track technology KPIs, SLAs, and operational metrics.
• Use analytics to improve efficiency and strengthen decision-making.
• Develop reporting structures for executive leadership.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts based on operational data and business requirements.

Cross-functional collaboration and business alignment

• Collaborate with product, engineering, IT, finance, HR, and business leaders to keep operations aligned with company priorities.
• Support communication between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to enterprise transformation initiatives and technology-enabled growth.
• Coordinate effectively across global technology teams.

Leadership and organizational development

• Build, guide, and develop high-performing technology operations teams.
• Strengthen leadership capability, succession planning, and talent development.
• Promote accountability, innovation, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Encourage engagement and collaboration across technology functions.

Qualifications

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

The role typically calls for 18+ years of experience in technology operations, IT management, engineering operations, or similar areas, including at least 8 years in senior leadership positions. Candidates should have a strong track record in leading large technology organizations, managing digital transformation efforts, and running enterprise-scale operations. Experience with software development operations, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology governance is important. Background in multinational corporations or fast-growing technology-led organizations is preferred.