What is the Main Job of a CIO?

:Business or IT
Published on November 20, 2017
Ajay Yadav
Ajay Yadav
Digital Leader/FMS Alumni/ Industry Speaker and Writer /Smart Card Expo Adviso...
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They started off leading the data processing and IS (Information Systems)
departments of the past. But today, the job of Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a
much different role. The skill set and job responsibilities are worlds apart from
what they were a decade or two ago. And the role continues to adapt to the changing
face of the modern business enterprise. In today’s tech-focused, competitive
business environment, what do CIOs bring to the table?

What Does a CIO Do?

The short answer is there is no exact description of the role. The job title tells
us it’s an executive position dealing with the IT needs of a company. But that
doesn’t mean they’re the IT director. In fact, many CIOs are starting to distance
themselves from operational responsibilities. The role is sometimes referred to as
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), but on paper, slight differences in the two
positions exist. Here are the main functions of a CIO:

Create business value through technology

Strategic planning of business growth objectives
Ensuring the tech systems and procedures lead to outcomes in line with business
goals
Company goals are paramount because only those in tune with the hi-tech needs of
customers will see positive growth numbers. CIOs are a crucial part of an
enterprise’s digital transformation.

Cloud computing, big data analytics, mobile computing, and collaboration platforms
pose new challenges for CIOs.

And AI, the Internet of Things, and digital disruption are having more influence on
the direction of consumer products. With these technologies in the driver’s seat,
the CIO is far less concerned with running the IT department. Focus has shifted to
service analysis, data security, and market reach.

Other job responsibilities include:

Development of customer service platforms

IT and development team personnel management
Vendor negotiations and IT architecture
Supplier management
Information risk management (IRM)
IS policies, strategies, and standards
Technology futures and budgets
Qualifications and Skills
CIOs often have an IT background, with degrees in computer science, software
engineering, or information systems. Experience is an important factor for landing
a role at this level. Employers prefer at least 5 years’ experience in IT
management. Moreover, business acumen is a must. That’s why the current tendency is
for CIOs to be promoted from business departments rather than IT.
Essential skills for the position are:

Strategic planning
Software development management
Leadership
Project management
Network and relationship building
Change management
Business and financial acumen (Many CIOs today gain an MBA)