Head of Engineering → VP Technology

A realistic transition from Head of Engineering to VP Technology: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 61%. Difficulty: Hard.

Difficulty: Hard6 stepsDuration: 16 to 20 monthsOverlap: 61%

Transition from Head of Engineering to VP Technology.

Transferable skills

  • Technology leadership
  • Strategy
  • Stakeholder management
  • Budget
  • Mentoring

Skills to learn

  • Architecture & platforms
  • Innovation
  • Team development

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Head of Engineering experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Technology leadership
    • Strategy
    • Stakeholder management
    • Budget

    Map transferable skills — Technology leadership, Strategy, Stakeholder management — against what a VP Technology needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the VP Technology role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Architecture & platforms
    • Innovation

    Technologies

    AWSAzureGCP

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Architecture & platforms, Innovation.

  3. 3. Master advanced VP Technology skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Team development

    Technologies

    ServiceNow

    Handle the advanced topics: Team development.

  4. 4. Get productive with the VP Technology toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    AWSAzureGCPServiceNow

    Be hands-on with AWS, Azure, GCP and the rest of the target stack.

  5. 5. Practise VP Technology work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on VP Technology tasks at work.

  6. 6. Get certified and position yourself as a VP Technology

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    TOGAF 9 CertifiedSAFe Program ConsultantCISM

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around VP Technology, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes