Role Overview:

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of IT for our Canadian operations. This is a unique opportunity to provide both strategic direction and hands-on execution in a global company. Reporting to global leadership (details to be confirmed), you will be the local linchpin for their globally centralized IT function, ensuring that their Canadian operations are technologically robust, secure, and aligned with our global objectives. You will lead a small but growing local IT team and play a crucial role in onboarding new partners and scaling business in Canada.

Key Responsibilities:

Spearhead IT Strategy & Growth in Canada: Develop and execute IT strategies that support Canadian business goals, identifying opportunities for technological advancement, innovation, and expansion.

Champion Global Tool Implementation & Foster Cross-Country Collaboration: Lead the rollout of global IT tools and cultivate a collaborative network of IT professionals across different countries to share knowledge, best practices, and solve challenges collectively.

Drive Business Growth through IT Expertise: Act as the IT Enterprise Architecture representative in partner engagements, including RFI/RFP processes and onboarding project teams, to support business expansion.

Manage Canadian IT Operations: Oversee all IT functions in Canada, including recruitment, budgeting, IT cost modeling, planning, and reporting, in partnership with the local COO to ensure efficient operations aligned with company objectives.

Monitor and Evaluate IT Performance: Regularly assess the effectiveness of IT initiatives by evaluating benefits, cost savings, and overall performance at global, regional, and local levels.

Standardize IT Delivery Across Expansion Markets: Implement consistent IT delivery processes and practices in Canada, aligning with other expansion countries and guidelines from the software development and excellence teams to ensure efficiency and scalability.

Align Local IT Decisions with Global Strategy: Ensure that all IT decisions made for the Canadian market are consistent with the overarching group strategy, while addressing specific local needs.

Establish and Oversee Local IT Governance: Implement and lead the IT governance framework within the Canadian operations.

Typical Focus Areas:

• Intensive coordination and collaboration with the central IT team.
• Managing all IT-related aspects of new partner integrations, from initial assessment to go-live.
• Ensuring strict adherence to global IT standards and best practices.
• Vigilant oversight and management of the local IT budget.

Qualifications and Experience:

Comprehensive IT and Technology Expertise:

• Requires a strong grasp of IT system design, software development, data management practices, and current trends in digital and AI technologies.
• Needs foundational knowledge of network infrastructure and IT security principles.
• Must be able to tailor IT approaches to meet the specific needs of the supervised country or region.

Strong Leadership and Team Management Capabilities:

• Demonstrates excellent leadership qualities, with impactful communication, empathy, and proven team management abilities.
• Capable of leading and inspiring technical teams, while also understanding and contributing to the broader business objectives of regional leadership and sales.
• Possesses a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to establish processes for knowledge retention within the region.

Cultural and Regional Awareness:

• Shows an understanding of diverse cultural norms and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural setting.

Effective IT Pre-Sales and Client Engagement Skills:

• Must communicate persuasively and effectively when interacting with clients and prospective customers.

Proficient in IT Operations Management: The Local Head of IT will manage all IT operations within the country, including:

• Budgeting, strategic planning, project execution, system upkeep, and fostering collaboration between local and global teams.

Strategic Alignment with Global Enterprise Architecture:

• Requires close partnership with global Enterprise Architecture teams to ensure the local IT strategy aligns seamlessly with the company's overall vision.

Working Environment and Culture:

Join a pioneering team in a start-up environment where your contributions will have a direct and visible impact. We foster a collaborative culture where innovation and agility are celebrated. This role requires a 50% in-office presence at our Toronto location, allowing for both focused work and essential team collaboration. You will work closely with a dedicated local team, including an IT Product Manager (Infrastructure), an IT PM (Onboarding New Partner - UAT focus), and an IT Manager, while maintaining strong ties with our central IT team.

Travel:

• Initial 2-3 week comprehensive training program in Europe, to immerse you in our global operations and systems.
• Occasional travel may be required for space/insurance industry-related events or specific project needs (further details to be provided).

Benefits:

• Competitive Base Salary (to be discussed based on experience)
• Performance-Based Bonus:
• Vacation
• Sick Days
• Personal Days
• Health Coverage
• Health Spending Account
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (GRRSP)