The term CTO can be translated as Chief Technology Officer, meaning Directeur des nouvelles technologies or Directeur technique. In France, the CTO’s role is comparable to that of an Innovation Director.
This position has become increasingly common in organizations in recent years, due to the evolution of new technologies and the growing importance of R&D (Research and Development) among many service and software providers.
But what does the role actually entail? What are the required skills, salary expectations, hiring practices, and career prospects for this position? Find out everything in this article.
1. The Role of the CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
The CTO, or Chief Technology Officer, holds a central position in a company’s innovation strategy and digital transformation. They define the technological vision, lead strategic projects, and supervise technical teams. Typically, they are part of the executive committee and take part in business decisions.
Key responsibilities:
- Technology monitoring and analysis: Identify weaknesses in current tools and highlight areas for improvement.
- Tech strategy: Align technology with business goals, define project roadmaps.
- Resource management: Oversee budgets, select tools and partners.
- Team leadership: Manage and recruit tech teams.
- Strategic contribution: Participate in decision-making and oversee major projects.
In startups, scale-ups, or early-stage small companies, the CTO’s role may differ. They may actively develop applications, tools, products, or information systems themselves. As the company and technical teams grow, their managerial role becomes more prominent.
This role is a key element of any tech business, as the development of products or management of technical direction often relies on the CTO. If you need assistance in recruiting for this position, feel free to reach out to the Bessand recruitment agency.
2. Skills and Qualities Required for the CTO Role
The CTO role requires a dual skillset: both technical and managerial.
Technical skills:
- At least 5 years of experience in development or technical management roles.
- Mastery of the programming languages and frameworks used by the company (e.g., JavaScript, Python, React…).
- Strong knowledge of software architecture, IT infrastructure, security, and cloud services.
- Experience in project management (Agile, Scrum) and technology monitoring.
- Specific knowledge of systems or business tools, depending on the industry.
Soft skills:
- Leadership: The CTO leads the tech teams and embodies the technical vision.
- Innovative mindset and foresight: Able to anticipate tech trends.
- Clear communication: With teams, management, and partners.
If you’re looking for a CTO profile but don’t know where to start, the Bessand recruitment firm can help you hire your next Tech executive.
We also offer content dedicated to Tech roles such as Data Analyst, DevOps Engineer, or Software Developer.
3. Education and Degrees Required to Become a CTO
The CTO (Chief Technology Officer) typically has a postgraduate degree (Master’s level), most often graduating from an engineering school or holding a master’s in computer science, digital technologies, or data.
However, the educational background may vary depending on the company’s industry. For example, in fields like biotech or mechanical engineering, a CTO might have a different scientific or technical background (biology, physics, mechanical engineering, etc.) if the product isn’t purely software-based.
Beyond the degree, professional experience is what matters most. A CTO usually has at least five years of technical experience — as a developer, lead developer, or architect — and progressively moves into leadership roles.
In an early-stage startup or a small team, an experienced lead developer can quickly transition into the CTO position. Conversely, more mature organizations typically require broader and longer experience.
If you’re hiring for a tech position, get in touch with our recruitment agency.
4. CTO Salary Based on Company and Location
A CTO’s salary varies widely depending on experience, company size, industry, and international presence. Compensation may also include variable elements such as BSPCE (share options), stock options, or equity — especially in startups and scale-ups.
Salary by experience level:
- Junior (1–3 years of experience): Around €60,000 gross/year
- Senior (3–5 years of experience): Between €100,000 and €120,000 gross/year
- Expert (6+ years of experience): Up to €180,000 gross/year or more in large corporations
In France, by company type:
- Startup / SME: €60,000 to €100,000 gross/year
- Scale-up / Mid-size company: €100,000 to €150,000 gross/year
- Large group / Multinational: €150,000 to €250,000 gross/year
In startups, the CTO typically receives 1–2% equity in BSPCE in addition to their salary.
Are you considering a CTO position in France or abroad? Our recruitment firm can assist you with your career development or hiring process with our partner companies.
5. Career Advancement Opportunities for a CTO
Here are some possible career paths for an experienced CTO:
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): For those wanting broader responsibilities beyond tech.
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Especially in startups or after founding a company.
- Chief Product Officer (CPO): If focusing more on product vision and roadmap.
- Head of Engineering: An operational role close to the CTO, focusing on managing tech teams.
- Technical Architect (in large organizations): For a more technical, hands-on focus.
- Independent consultant or tech strategy expert.
- Tech investor/advisor: In startups or investment funds.
Hiring Tips: 5 Keys to Acing Interviews and Trial Periods
- Have a clear vision: Know where you want to take the company’s tech.
- Speak simply: Explain technical topics clearly and understandably.
- Know the product: Understand what you’re selling and how tech improves it.
- Test ideas: Don’t be afraid to try new solutions.
- Be a leader: Motivate and support your team’s growth.
Note: The trial period for a CTO varies depending on the contract. Generally, it lasts 4 months for a full-time permanent position (CDI), but it can be renewed once (up to 8 months) if stated in the contract.
Conclusion
Today, the role of the CTO is a technological cornerstone — from startups to multinational corporations. Versatile, visionary, and innovation-driven, the CTO leads digital transformation and structures technical development. Hiring the right CTO — or preparing to become one — requires understanding the many dimensions of the job: responsibilities, skills, career prospects, and compensation.
Whether you’re a company seeking a profile or a candidate ready to take on this challenge, contact our recruitment firm.
