Chief Technology Officer

About us

For over 25 years, Catalyst has worked with government, enterprise, and non-profit organisations to create software solutions with limitless possibilities. We specialise in systems that provide full data sovereignty and are free from licensing costs and vendor lock-in. We do this through the power of open source and the freedom it gives for innovation.

With sister companies in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, we're a company recognised globally for our open-source expertise, pushing conventional technology boundaries, and creating award-winning software solutions.

A career at Catalyst allows you to work on high-profile projects, collaborate with industry experts, and continuously grow - personally and professionally. We're on our journey to align ourselves better with te ao Māori. Our team is filled with open-source enthusiasts who share our values of openness, freedom, collaboration and respect.

About the role

We're looking for a strategic technology leader to be the outward face of Catalyst's technology vision. As our CTO, you'll build relationships within open source communities, champion our AI practice, and lead the commercialisation of our Cove product into new markets.

This isn't an internal systems role - you'll engage with clients, speak at industry events, and position Catalyst as a thought leader in sovereign technology solutions. Working closely with our sales and operations teams, you'll translate technical possibilities into real-world impact while mentoring teams passionate about open source.

We need someone who bridges the technical and strategic, who understands both the code and the conversation, and who makes open source technology accessible to diverse audiences.

This role offers the freedom to innovate, the platform to influence and the opportunity to build something meaningful in the open source space. If you're energised by collaboration, driven by curiosity and ready to lead technology strategy that challenges the status quo, we'd love to hear from you We're also open to candidates based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

About you

You might be a seasoned technologist stepping into strategic leadership, or already leading technology teams and seeking greater external impact. Perhaps you come from consulting, product development or the open source community itself.

We value diverse perspectives and recognise many paths to effective leadership - whether through formal technical roles, community contributions, self-directed learning, or a combination. You're comfortable with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and you know the best innovations come from unexpected places and diverse voices.

You don't need to tick every box. We're more interested in your potential, curiosity, and commitment to collaborative leadership than a perfect resume. If you're passionate about open source, excited about AI's possibilities and ready to help shape technology strategy that reflects te ao Māori values, we encourage you to apply.

Why You'll Love Working at Catalyst

At Catalyst, our people are at the heart of our success. We cultivate an environment where every individual is encouraged to bring their full self to work. Our vibrant culture is built on a foundation of community engagement, collaboration, and shared success.

Along with a competitive salary, Catalyst offers a range of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. We emphasise work-life balance, continuous learning and career progression. Here, your talents are appreciated and your ideas are welcomed—helping us shape a future where innovation and inclusivity go hand-in-hand.

Our hiring processes reflect our diversity policy which you can read in full here: Diversity and inclusion policy | Catalyst IT