Hot high-tech jobs for 2006

Data growth, globalization, and risk and disaster planning are shaping the hot high-tech executive positions for 2006, according to Christian & Timbers’ list, which was released Dec. 20, 2005.

Data growth, globalization, and risk and disaster planning are shaping the hot high-tech executive positions for 2006, according to Christian & Timbers’ list, which was released Dec. 20, 2005.

The executive search firm identifies forces that are changing markets, business plans and investment strategies. As Google’s strategy has evolved from search to content control and delivery, it’s fueling competition for control of content, search and connectivity technologies. This creates demand for a corporate strategy director for Web-oriented companies and vice president of R&D for Web-oriented businesses.

Another evident issue is the globalization of the economy, creating the need for talent who can help increase a firm’s worldwide presence. Related hot executive jobs include chief strategy officer and global collaboration executive.

Natural and manmade disasters alike have caused many corporations to closely examine their disaster and business continuity plans and those of their partners and suppliers. This drives need for chief security officers with intelligence backgrounds and disaster recovery analysts or engineers. Analysts and engineers are responsible for coordinating and developing crisis management, emergency response, business continuity and disaster recovery plans for organizations and partners.

Data growth and data security are shaping the need for chief information security officers and chief privacy officers. Typically reporting to a CIO or CTO, the CISO provides tactical information security advice by examining the ramifications of new technologies. And the chief privacy officer oversees activities related to data, security and privacy of business and customer information.

Finally, business process and compliance are driving demand for vice presidents of business process improvement and vice presidents of IT shared services. The latter aims to reengineer for efficiency, and such a role requires a combination of technology, finance/accounting and project management skills.