At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical due diligence and oversee technology integration across portfolio companies.
- Company: Global Digital Group, a leader in the digital economy with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, significant equity package, and comprehensive executive benefits.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of digital services and technology.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior tech leadership, M&A experience, and deep sector knowledge.
- Other info: High autonomy and accountability in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
The predicted salary is between 108000 - 180000 £ per year.
About Global Digital Group
Global Digital Group is building the infrastructure for the digital economy. We acquire and scale exceptional digital service businesses across AI-enabled Services, Cybersecurity, IT Services, and Digital Transformation. We're executing an ambitious roll-up strategy in a multi-trillion dollar market, with plans to dual-list on Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Q4 2026) and NASDAQ (2030). Our target: €500m-€1bn+ market cap within 5 years through strategic M&A and organic growth of 15-20 portfolio companies.
The Opportunity
We're seeking a senior, commercially-minded CTO to serve as our technical authority across all acquisition, integration, and value creation activities. This is not a product development role—this is a strategic technical leadership position at the intersection of M&A, public markets, and operational excellence. You'll be the technical co-pilot to our CEO and CFO as we scale from our current stage to a multi-hundred-million-euro revenue platform through aggressive M&A activity.
Core Responsibilities
- M&A & Due Diligence
- Lead technical due diligence on acquisition targets ($5m-$50m revenue companies)
- Evaluate technology stacks, technical debt, IP ownership, and cybersecurity posture
- Assess technical team quality and scalability of operations
- Identify synergies, risks, and integration requirements
- Present technical findings to board and investment committees
- Support deal structuring with technical risk assessment
- Technology Integration & Operations
- Oversee post-acquisition technology integration across 15-20 portfolio companies
- Drive deployment of our proprietary Organization AI platform
- Establish group-wide technology standards and vendor management
- Lead centralized IT & AI infrastructure optimization
- Ensure cybersecurity protocols and compliance across all OpCos
- Public Company Governance & Reporting
- Maintain technology governance frameworks suitable for public markets
- Support investor relations with technical narrative and roadmap
- Ensure compliance with stock exchange requirements
- Provide technical inputs for quarterly reporting and strategic communications
- Interface with auditors and regulatory bodies on technology matters
- Strategic Advisory
- Advise portfolio company CEOs on technology strategy and architecture decisions
- Identify cross-portfolio technology synergies and cost optimization opportunities
- Evaluate build vs. buy decisions for shared technology platforms
- Stay ahead of AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation trends
- Support enterprise client acquisition with technical credibility
Required Experience
Essential
- 5+ years in senior technology leadership roles
- 3+ years in publicly-traded companies
- Significant M&A due diligence experience – you've personally led or participated in technical DD for 5+ transactions
- Deep understanding of IT services, cybersecurity, AI/ML, and digital transformation sectors
- Experience integrating technology organizations post-acquisition
- Track record working with boards, audit committees, and external advisors
- Understanding of corporate governance, SOX compliance, and public company reporting requirements
Highly Valued
- Prior CTO/CIO role in a PE-backed or public services company
- Experience with European and US regulatory environments
- Background in management consulting (Big 4, MBB) or investment banking (tech M&A)
- MBA or advanced technical degree from a top institution
- Professional certifications (CISSP, CISM, or equivalent)
Compensation & Equity
This is a senior executive role with compensation reflecting the scope and impact:
- Competitive base salary commensurate with public company CTO roles
- Significant equity package in Global Digital Group with progressive liquidity: Liquidity event at NASDAQ listing or strategic exit (Year 5)
- Performance bonuses tied to acquisition execution, integration success, and margin improvement
Benefits: Comprehensive executive benefits package
Culture & Working Style
- High autonomy, high accountability – We trust our leaders to execute
- Data-driven decision making – We move fast but with rigor
- Permanent growth mindset – We're building a peer group of exceptional operators
- Founder-friendly – Portfolio company CEOs retain operational control; we provide leverage
Location & Travel
Hybrid/flexible working arrangements. Expect some travel for due diligence visits, portfolio company meetings, and board activities across UK, EU, and US.
Application Process
- Introductory Review – We'll review your submission and schedule an initial call
- Executive Interviews – Meet with CEO, CFO
- Technical Case Study – Real acquisition target for due diligence assessment
- Final Terms Discussion – Negotiate compensation, equity, and role scope
- Offer & Onboarding Timeline: 2-3 weeks from application to offer for the right candidate
Group Chief Technology Officer in Southampton employer: Global Digital Group
Contact Detail:
Global Digital Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Chief Technology Officer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend tech meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CTO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your M&A experience and technical leadership. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their vision and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Chief Technology Officer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Group Chief Technology Officer role. Highlight your M&A experience and any relevant tech leadership roles to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic position. Share your vision for technology integration and how you can drive value creation across our portfolio.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your technical knowledge in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. We want to see how you can leverage this expertise in a public company setting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Global Digital Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Digital Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a potential CTO, you need to be well-versed in the latest trends in AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Brush up on your knowledge of technology stacks and integration processes, as you'll likely be asked to evaluate these during the interview.
✨Master the M&A Landscape
Given the focus on M&A, make sure you can discuss your past experiences with technical due diligence. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've assessed technology risks and synergies in previous transactions.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is about strategic leadership, so demonstrate your ability to think critically about technology's role in business growth. Prepare to discuss how you've advised CEOs on tech strategy and architecture decisions in the past.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Discussions
You'll be interfacing with boards and investment committees, so practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that's accessible to non-technical stakeholders. Think about how you would present your findings and recommendations clearly and confidently.