JD&Co | Chief Technology Officer - Critical Communications / Global / Growth - Competitive Package

JD&Co are partnered with a pioneering specialist leader in critical communications solutions and services. This organisation addresses unique hardware and software communications needs in multiple industries including emergency & public safety services, energy & utilities, industrial & mining. With many years of experience, they are known for their commitment to innovation and excellence and supply sophisticated communications technology into the heart of day-to-day mission critical operations across the UK, Europe, APAC and the US.

We’re hiring a Chief Technology Officer to join a strong leadership team, to formulate and oversee technological direction, strategic initiatives and future innovation. This is the perfect leadership role for a self-motivated, driven, solid, hands-on practical and people centric technical leader, someone who can bring extensive hardware development and software experience and great man management skills. This is someone who thrives in a fast moving and transformative environment.

The business is entering a significant period of change and transformation as they look to build and deliver next generation LTE, satellite and edge/fog solutions supported by cloud technology. This technology will provide world class, intelligent and adaptive communication solutions to their current and future customers, helping to drive the future of global critical communications.

Overall, this is a fantastic opportunity to join an already hugely successful business, leveraging a proven model and brand plus the opportunity to lead on innovation and build products which will determine future direction and long term success globally.

About the Role

• Develop, implement and manage PMR & edge computing and mobile wireless router products and services alongside the management of a diversification programme towards cloud-based managed services and software.
• Lead and manage international technology teams (total 35 h/c), developing the capabilities and skills for product creation, enhancement and support – both internally through line management and coaching direct reports, and externally by selecting and managing external suppliers and partners. This includes line management responsibility for technologists; R&D teams; Product Management; Technical Support & IT.
• Define, stand-up, operate, harden and optimise the network infrastructure required to deliver services and software to customers with critical communications needs.
• Sponsor technology strategy to internal & external stakeholders including Board members, shareholders, industry bodies and anchor customers.
• Secure a good understanding of current and potential customers and competitors along with their strategic and operational priorities and challenges, to identify opportunities to commercialise and monetise current and future products and services.
• Foster a culture of excellence and innovation, driving faster development cycles through optimised Agile and DevOps methodologies, and exploring cutting-edge cloud technologies and their realisation as monetised services and products (AWS, Azure, IBM etc)
• Develop and maintain IT architecture and infrastructure including core business systems. Develop, plan, and implement appropriate use policies and technology standards and practices and ensure adherence for employees; enabling employees to use technology effectively to meet the needs of their roles.

Overall responsibility for:

• All product development and technical teams including radio based PMR, LTE, Satellite and Cloud system Infrastructure
• Annual operating and capital budgets for technology systems, product development and cloud infrastructure operations
• Role of board level Data Protection Officer with responsibility for data protection compliance including GDPR & cyber security.
• Technology evangelist for both internal and external communications.

About You:

Technology Stack:

• Telecommunications: Experience in a wide range of radio technologies such as PMR, WiFi, LTE & Satellite etc, and in-depth knowledge of the telecommunications industry: Standards, protocols, and trends. Understanding of PMR, Cellular, satellite and IP network infrastructure and core telecommunications technologies. Experience with telecommunications voice, data and IoT products, services and solutions.
• Cybersecurity: Expertise in IT security, best practices, threat modelling, and compliance frameworks. Knowledge of cybersecurity standards (ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework and GDPR). Experience with security tools and technologies, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
• Ideal – Cloud Platforms: In-depth experience of cloud platforms, cloud architectures, cloud migration strategies, hybrid cloud models, FOG / Edge computing and multi-cloud models as this is central to our next generation product diversification.

Plus

• Experience leading internationally based technical teams, ideally through agile development methodologies
• Experience working in scaling mission critical technology environments.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving towards cloud based high resilience solutions or product diversification in a telecom or related industry, with strong business and change management skills
• A proven track record of innovation and staying ahead of technological trends.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related fields.
• A major plus – advanced business education (MBA or Executive Management Programs).

The role would be highly attractive for someone who can see beyond the pure technology goals (exciting as they are 😉) but also understands and appreciates the broader “for good” societal impact supporting critical services and creating transformative impactful solutions that really make a difference.

We are expecting an exceptionally high volume of applications; sadly, we\’re unlikely to be able to respond to each individual applicant. Thanks for being patient and we\’ll be sure to get in touch if we\’re keen to take your application further.

JD & Co is passionate about championing diversity and challenging unconscious bias and treat each application carefully. Thank you for your interest and please follow our LI profile page for further updates.