We are conducting a search on behalf of a financial services firm seeking an experienced Senior Manager IT to lead technology strategy IT infrastructure management and data governance. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing IT solutions managing thirdparty vendors and ensuring the firm s data and technology systems align with business objectives.
This position requires a strategic yet handson leader who can provide expert guidance while also driving execution. The role does not have direct reports making it ideal for someone who thrives in a highimpact individual contributor role.
- Location: Hybrid Downtown Toronto (2 days inoffice per week).
- Team Structure: Individual contributor role (no direct reports).
Key Responsibilities
Technology Strategy & IT Governance
- Develop and execute a technology roadmap to support business goals and scalability.
- Analyze existing IT infrastructure to identify weaknesses inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization.
- Ensure IT compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g. financial services investment lending real estate).
- Advise leadership on IT trends risks and best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
Data Management & Business Intelligence
- Develop and implement data management best practices to ensure data is organized secure and accessible.
- Oversee the setup of a data aggregation and business intelligence (BI) environment that integrates data from various sources for streamlined reporting and insights.
- Implement data governance policies including usage rights retention and security best practices.
Enterprise Software & System Integration
- Lead the assessment and implementation of an enterprise software solution.
- Oversee the migration and replacement of key IT systems.
- Evaluate and implement thirdparty IT solutions to improve the productivity of the firm.
Cybersecurity & Incident Response
- Maintain a disaster recovery plan ensuring regular testing and updates to mitigate downtime risks.
- Develop an incident response plan including penetration testing and risk assessments.
- Engage with reputable cybersecurity firms to ensure appropriate security scope and cost considerations.
- Implement IT policies to safeguard sensitive investor and compliance data.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with thirdparty vendors IT consultants and technology providers.
- Advise on IT initiatives by identifying opportunities providing independent assessments and delivering actionable recommendations to the IT committee and executive team.
- Communicate IT strategies and project progress to nontechnical stakeholders and senior leadership.
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelors degree in computer science IT or related field.
- 810 years of related technology experience including 2 years in a leadership capacity.
- Proven ability to develop and execute an IT roadmap aligning technology investments with business objectives.
- Handson experience with enterprise software implementation including selection integration and deployment of ERP CRM or financial services platforms.
- Strong understanding of IT governance risk management and cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST ISO 27001 or CIS.
- Proficiency in business intelligence (BI) tools and data aggregation methodologies with experience in Power BI Tableau or SQLbased reporting.
- Expertise in data management including file storage strategies structured/unstructured data handling and data solutions.
- Experience in IT project management including system migrations vendor management and crossfunctional stakeholder coordination.
- Familiarity with disaster recovery and business continuity planning including implementation and periodic testing.
- Preferred: Experience in financial services IT (investment lending real estate or other regulated sectors).
- Preferred: PMP IIL CISSP or other relevant IT certifications.
Culture & Work Environment
The firm fosters a downtoearth collaborative and hardworking environment where employees are encouraged to be proactive open to feedback and adaptable. The ideal candidate should embody the following qualities:
- DetailOriented A structured and thorough approach to IT strategy and execution.
- SelfStarter Takes initiative works independently and drives projects forward.
- High Integrity Demonstrates professionalism trustworthiness and accountability.
- Collaborative Works well with crossfunctional teams and values input from others.
Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or related field. 8-10 years of related technology experience, including 2+ years in a leadership capacity. Proven ability to develop and execute an IT roadmap, aligning technology investments with business objectives. Hands-on experience with enterprise software implementation, including selection, integration, and deployment of ERP, CRM, or financial services platforms. Strong understanding of IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST, ISO 27001, or CIS. Proficiency in business intelligence (BI) tools and data aggregation methodologies, with experience in Power BI, Tableau, or SQL-based reporting. Expertise in data management, including file storage strategies, structured/unstructured data handling, and data solutions. Experience in IT project management, including system migrations, vendor management, and cross-functional stakeholder coordination. Familiarity with disaster recovery and business continuity planning, including implementation and periodic testing. Preferred: Experience in financial services IT (investment, lending, real estate, or other regulated sectors). Preferred: PMP, IIL, CISSP, or other relevant IT certifications.