Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Missions

Defining and implementing IT strategy

• He/she draws up the company's IT strategy and roadmap, taking into account business needs, budgetary constraints and technological developments.
• It defines the security and cybersecurity policy, ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework.

Managing information systems and steering IT projects

• He/she supervises IT infrastructures (data centres, cloud, networks, workstations) and software solutions (ERP, CRM, digital workplace).
• He/she ensures that systems are maintained and available, and that they are scalable and secure.
• It ensures that new tools and processes are implemented to improve system performance.
• He/she coordinates IT projects (infrastructure roll-out, digital transformation, integration of software solutions) while respecting the triptych of costs, quality and deadlines.
• You will be familiar with agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, SaFe).
• They work closely with the business departments to meet their needs.

Team management and change management

• You manage a multi-disciplinary team of technicians, engineers, project managers and IT experts.
• He/she supports employees in their digital transformation through training courses, seminars and workshops.
• He/she manages recruitment, training and career development within the IT Department.

CIO skills

Technical skills

The Information Systems Director has extensive expertise in IT infrastructures, networks, databases and operating systems. He or she is familiar with cloud computing, big data and development tools. They are at ease with SaaS solutions and data management tools. CIOs excel at IT project management: Agile and Scrum methodologies hold no secrets for them.

He combines these skills with his knowledge of management control to optimise IT costs and assess the return on investment of projects. His command of technical English enables him to work with international partners.

Soft skills

Leadership and organisation are qualities that are highly valued in a CIO. Their charisma and ability to unite teams enable them to rally employees around the company's objectives. Rigorous and methodical, they plan and prioritise actions, while maintaining a high level of responsiveness to unforeseen circumstances.

With good interpersonal skills, the CIO adapts his or her communication to the people he or she is dealing with (senior management, business teams, external partners). A skilled negotiator, he or she maintains good relations with suppliers and service providers.

Education and training of the CIO

The Information Systems Director holds a 5-year degree in computer science from an engineering school or a specialised master's degree from one of the following institutions:

• Master's degree in computer science
• Master's degree in information systems management
• An engineering degree from one of the following institutions (ESGI, EPITA, Télécom Paris).
• MBA or Master's degree specialising in information systems management and audit (SKEMA, Grenoble École de Management).

More than 10 years' seniority in IS/IT functions is required to reach this position.

Possible career paths

Thanks to their cross-functional and strategic vision, experienced CIOs can progress to the positions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) or Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DGA).