Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Strivo Labs

Job Summary

• We are seeking an accomplished Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the organisation’s technology strategy, architecture, engineering, and operations.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fintech, payments, or lending, with proven experience building and scaling internal technology teams, transitioning from outsourced to in-house operations, and delivering secure, scalable, and reliable technology solutions.
• The successful candidate will oversee the entire technology function, drive innovation, strengthen information security and regulatory compliance, and align technology investments with the organisation’s strategic and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organisation’s technology strategy, roadmap, and architecture in alignment with business objectives.
• Lead and scale the internal technology division, overseeing engineering, IT operations, product, data, security, and governance.
• Establish engineering standards, architectural frameworks, development processes, and release management procedures.
• Drive the transition from outsourced technology services to in-house capabilities through structured knowledge transfer and effective vendor management.
• Oversee software development, cloud infrastructure, DevOps, system integration, production support, and disaster recovery.
• Ensure reliable system performance, effective incident management, and continuous improvement of technology operations.
• Establish and enforce information security policies, access controls, vulnerability management, and technology risk frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws and relevant financial services regulations.
• Manage technology budgets, vendor relationships, and investment decisions while ensuring cost efficiency and business value.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, the board, and strategic partners to support business growth and digital transformation.
• Recruit, develop, and manage technology leaders while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification or MBA is an advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in technology, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role such as CTO, VP of Engineering, or Head of Technology.
• Proven experience building and scaling internal engineering teams and transitioning technology operations from external vendors to in-house teams.
• Strong expertise in software architecture, microservices, API design, cloud infrastructure, system integration, and data platforms.
• Hands-on knowledge of Java, Spring Boot, Angular, AWS, PostgreSQL, Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and modern authentication frameworks.
• Experience managing DevOps, production environments, system reliability, and disaster recovery.
• Strong understanding of information security, data protection, technology governance, and regulatory compliance within a fintech or other regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technology budgets, lead cross-functional teams, and engage effectively with executive leadership and investors.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and people leadership skills.

Added Advantage:

• Experience in fintech, payments, digital lending, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), device financing, or embedded finance.
• Experience operating across West African markets, particularly Nigeria and Ghana.
• Familiarity with payment infrastructure, identity verification, KYC solutions, credit bureau integrations, and device security technologies.
• Exposure to workflow automation, business rules engines, and AI-driven technology solutions.

Success Metrics:
Within the first six months, the successful candidate is expected to:

• Establish a functional internal technology division with key leadership positions filled.
• Complete the transition of critical technology knowledge and operational responsibilities from external vendors to internal teams.
• Implement clear architecture standards, engineering processes, and release governance.
• Establish a strong information security and data protection framework.
• Improve system reliability, delivery efficiency, and internal technical capabilities while significantly reducing dependence on external vendors.