Information Technology Manager

The IT Manager is accountable for the full scope of information systems and technology functions across all operating companies within the dealer group. This includes strategic IT planning, infrastructure and systems oversight, cybersecurity and data governance, vendor management, and day-to-day service delivery. The IT Manager provides direction to the organization’s third-party IT support provider and serves as the primary liaison with the parent company’s IT function to ensure alignment on global standards, systems, and reporting requirements. Internally, the IT Manager leads a small team and partners closely with finance, operations, and senior leadership to ensure technology investments support organizational performance and growth.

Responsibilities

IT Strategy & Planning

• Develop and maintain a multi-year IT roadmap aligned to the strategic priorities of the dealer group and parent company.
• Advise the CFIO and executive leadership on technology investments, risks, and opportunities, providing clear business cases for proposed initiatives.
• Ensure IT strategy is coordinated with the parent company’s global standards and systems direction.
• Plan and manage the annual IT budget across infrastructure, licensing, vendor contracts, and capital projects.

Infrastructure & Systems Oversight

• Oversee the reliability, availability, and performance of IT infrastructure across all operating company locations, including networks, servers, endpoints, and cloud environments.
• Ensure business-critical systems (ERP, DMS, financial platforms, communication tools) are maintained, updated, and integrated effectively.
• Lead or oversee IT projects including system implementations, upgrades, migrations, and integrations across the dealer group.
• Establish and maintain IT standards, configurations, and documentation across all operating companies.

Cybersecurity & Data Governance

• Own the organization’s cybersecurity posture, including risk assessments, policy enforcement, incident response planning, and staff awareness.
• Ensure data governance practices meet regulatory requirements and parent company standards, including appropriate controls over access, retention, and privacy.
• Monitor for security threats and vulnerabilities; coordinate remediation with CANA and relevant vendors.
• Maintain and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans for all critical systems.

Vendor & Third-Party Management

• Provide day-to-day direction to the organization’s managed IT support provider; hold them accountable to agreed SLAs and quality standards.
• Manage all IT vendor and licensing relationships, including contract renewals, performance reviews, and escalation management.
• Evaluate and recommend new vendors or solutions where current capabilities are insufficient.

Parent Company Liaison

• Serve as the primary IT contact for the parent company’s technology team in the Netherlands; ensure Canadian operations meet global IT standards and reporting requirements.
• Participate in parent company IT governance forums and working groups as required.
• Manage any technology integration, data sharing, or system alignment initiatives between the Canadian dealer group and the parent company.

People Leadership

• Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance management to direct.
• Build team capability through training, development planning, and knowledge sharing.
• Model a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to IT support across the organization.

IT Policy, Compliance & Governance

• Develop, maintain, and enforce IT policies covering acceptable use, security, data management, and access control across all operating companies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable privacy legislation (PIPEDA and provincial equivalents) and other regulatory requirements.
• Conduct or coordinate periodic IT audits, risk reviews, and policy assessments; report findings and recommendations to the CFO.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, CISSP, or Microsoft/Azure) are a strong asset.
• 5–8 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 2 years in a management or team lead capacity.
• Demonstrated experience managing third-party IT service providers and holding vendors accountable to SLAs.
• Experience operating in a multi-entity or multi-site environment; exposure to dealership, distribution, or industrial sectors is an asset.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, data governance principles, and applicable Canadian privacy legislation.
• Familiarity with ERP or DMS platforms and enterprise infrastructure (networking, cloud, endpoints, Microsoft 365 environment).
• Experience liaising with international parent companies or global IT functions is an asset.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage credibly with both technical staff and non-technical executive stakeholders.

Working Conditions

Remote-based, in the prairie provinces, with periodic travel to branch locations across the dealer group. After-hours availability is required for critical system incidents or scheduled maintenance windows.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary, comprehensive benefits: including health, dental, vision.
• Registered Retirement Saving Plan contributions program
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• A positive, team-oriented work environment with a focus on employee success.

We value diversity and inclusion, strive for an equitable workplace where employees can be their authentic selves, and support the diverse people and communities we serve.