FortNine Group is seeking an experienced and strategic IT Manager to lead the centralization and harmonization of IT operations across our three business units. This role is critical in building a unified IT ecosystem, developing and documenting key IT processes, and ensuring alignment with best-in-class cybersecurity practices.

The ideal candidate is both hands-on and strategic, capable of navigating multi-entity complexity while driving standardization, security, and operational excellence. Together, we deliver best-in-class service and product experiences to our customers - and the backbone of that success is robust, secure, and scalable IT.

Key Responsibilities:

IT Strategy and Governance

• Lead the consolidation of IT systems, infrastructure, and policies across FortNine, Defender, and Motos Illimitées.
• Develop and maintain a unified IT roadmap that supports business objectives and cross-unit integration.
• Build relationships with cross-functional teams to ensure IT strategies align with operational needs and business priorities.

Process Definition & Implementation

• Define, document, and implement IT policies and procedures across departments, including areas such as device provisioning, data access, vendor onboarding, incident response, and asset lifecycle management.
• Drive standardization of tools, workflows, and support processes to improve efficiency and transparency across business units.
• Establish service-level agreements (SLAs), helpdesk standards, and escalation protocols.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Implement cybersecurity best practices across all business units in alignment with industry standards (e.g., CIS, NIST).
• Lead initiatives in risk assessment, access control, identity management, and data protection.
• Oversee system audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and resolve security gaps.
• Partner with legal and compliance teams to ensure data handling aligns with relevant privacy and regulatory requirements.

IT Service Delivery

• Lead the delivery of IT services to internal stakeholders, ensuring responsive, efficient, and scalable support.
• Establish and monitor service level agreements (SLAs) for helpdesk and infrastructure services.
• Implement a robust ticketing and escalation system to manage support workflows and track KPIs.
• Continuously evaluate and optimize service delivery processes to improve employee satisfaction and IT performance.
• Collaborate with business units to understand needs and proactively address technology gaps or pain points.

Qualifications:

• Must be based in Montreal, QC or commuting surrounding area.
• Bilingual (English/French) is mandatory.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP, CISM) are a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in IT leadership, preferably in multi-entity or retail/e-commerce environments.
• Proven experience leading IT consolidation and process design initiatives.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management frameworks, and compliance standards.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Travel may be required, as we operate between multiple locations in Canada, and in the United States (Waterford, Connecticut).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with candidate experience.
• Paid personal days.
• Health Insurance including medical, dental, vision and life.
• Unlimited free healthy snacks and drinks on site.
• Quiet, clean and newly built office environment.
• Located within a 5-minute walk from Du College station (orange line) and offering free parking.
• Ergonomic workstations and the best tools made available to you.
• Hard working, respectful and friendly coworkers.
• Free parking or easy access via public transit.
• A strong culture that encourages collective accomplishments and enables individual progression.

About FortNine Group

FortNine Group is the largest Canadian-based digital retail platform dedicated to serving enthusiast markets across North America, including motorcycle riders, power sports users, and boaters. The Group is composed of three distinct business units:

1. FortNine - Canada's leading motorcycle and power sports retailer, offering a comprehensive selection of gear, apparel, accessories, and parts.
2. Defender - A premier U.S. and Canadian retailer specializing in boating parts and accessories, known for its expert outfitting services that help customers find exactly what they need.
3. Motos Illimitées - Canada's largest motorcycle and power sports vehicle dealership, representing over 20 top brands.

Together, FortNine Group powers a thriving ecosystem of enthusiast-driven commerce.