An interim CTO engagement leading the technology function of a PE-acquired SaaS company through a 4-month founder-to-institutional transition, stabilising delivery and building a roadmap aligned to the investment thesis.
A PE-backed SaaS business is seeking an Interim CTO to lead its technology function through a structured 4-month transition from founder ownership to institutional governance. Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will bring structure and pace to engineering delivery, institute appropriate governance, and produce a technology roadmap that serves both the enterprise and the PE partner's value creation strategy.
This is a high-accountability engagement requiring independent judgement under pressure from multiple senior stakeholders including founders, the board, and PE sponsors. The role may extend if a handover period to a permanent CTO is required, leaving the business materially better positioned than at engagement start.
- Lead the technology function through the transition from founder to private equity ownership, introducing governance and institutional rigour
- Build a technology roadmap aligned to business maturity, enterprise needs, and the PE partner's investment and value creation strategy
- Make considered build-vs-partner decisions across the technology estate, grounded in commercial as well as technical judgement
- Review third-party and offshoring opportunities, assessing genuine business benefit against risk and control considerations
- Stabilise and uplift technology leadership and delivery capability, preparing a clear handover foundation for a permanent CTO
- Provide credible, structured reporting to the CEO, board, and investors on technology risk, priorities, and investment decisions
- Proven track record as a CTO or senior technology leader, with direct experience operating through PE ownership transitions or comparable periods of significant organisational change
- Sound judgement on build-vs-partner and third-party/offshoring strategy, balancing cost, capability, control, and risk
- Strong commercial and technical fluency across modern SaaS architecture, delivery, and technology operating models
- Resilience and independence of mind, with confidence to hold a considered position under pressure from multiple senior stakeholders
- Prior interim or transformation-focused experience highly advantageous, with demonstrated ability to deliver outcomes within a defined time-limited engagement
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with credibility at CEO, board, and PE sponsor level
Jacob Thomas Executive is an executive search and advisory firm specialising in senior interim and permanent placements. The firm partners with private equity-backed and high-growth businesses to source experienced technology and commercial leaders capable of delivering outcomes in complex, time-pressured environments.
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