6 Most Common Types of CTO Roles (Contracts)

CTO roles explained: engagement models, success metrics, red flags—and how to choose by scope, commitment, and ROI.

Fractional CTO

Fractional CTO is a chief technology officer who provides on-demand services to a company or organisation. In other words, it is a freelance contract that implies working for a fraction of the time and cost, and only on a specific part of the project, as opposed to full- or part-time CTO positions.

Field CTO

Field CTO is a high-ranking executive role becoming increasingly popular in tech companies (IT, software, or telecommunications industries). Their primary responsibility is bridging the gap between technology and business strategy while engaging directly with customers and partners. 

Interim CTO

An Interim CTO is a temporary executive responsible for overseeing and guiding the company’s technology strategy and operations during a transitional period. Companies hire interim CTOs on a short-term basis, either due to a sudden departure of the previous CTO, a planned leadership change, or while searching for a full-time CTO.

Part-Time CTO

A part-time CTO is a technology expert who works on a part-time or consulting basis for a company. The aim is to develop and implement the company’s technology strategy and oversee all aspects of its technology operations and product development.

Deputy CTO

deputy CTO is a senior executive responsible for assisting the Chief Technology Officer in managing and implementing technology strategies. It is a common denominator among an array of executive roles, such as Head of Engineering, VP of Development, Chief Technology Architect, CDO, CISO, and similar positions, effectively describing a second-in-command.

Remote CTO

Since the Remote CTO works from a different location than the company’s headquarters, a set of challenges arises for the Chief Technology Officer and the employer. Learn about the most critical challenges and, more importantly, practical solutions.

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