Information Technology and Information Systems (IT/IS) Manager


Utilities Kingston
Kingston, Ontario


Last Day to Apply: March 22, 2023

Sartor and Associates has been retained by Utilities Kingston to fill an Information Technology and Information Systems (IT/IS) Manager vacancy.  The position will report directly to the Utilities Kingston Director of Corporate Services. 

BACKGROUND

Utilities Kingston has provided local residents with safe and reliable utility services for over 150 years. The company deploys a unique multi-utility model which includes the efficient coordination of projects that combine water, sewer, gas, electricity, streetlights and traffic signals, and road works. This approach leads to timely and cost-effective completion of projects, with less disruption for customers.

Utilities Kingston provides the following core utility services:

  • An assured clean drinking water supply to 39,000 customers.
  • Collection and treatment of wastewater to 39,000 customers.
  • Safe and reliable gas services to nearly 15,000 customers.
  • Asset management, billing, and operational services to Kingston Hydro, which in turn provides electricity services to 28,000 customers in central Kingston.
  • Reliable maintenance of over 10,000 street lights and traffic signals at 200 intersections.
  • Specialized fibre optic broadband networking services, providing highly available and affordable connectivity up to 10 Gbps. A major benefit is the cost-effective and highly-reliable monitoring of the City’s utility infrastructure. 

Utilities Kingston Strategic Direction

Vision

To advance the unique multi-utility model to benefit our customers and build better communities.

Mission

To manage, operate and maintain community infrastructure to deliver safe, reliable services and a personal customer experience.

Values:

Safety, integrity, innovation and reliability.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Reporting to the Director of Corporate services, the Manager of Information Technology and Information Systems provides leadership, sets work priorities, and provides ongoing support to IT/IS staff in the planning, management, and operations of corporate information systems applications, data, websites, and infrastructure. 

The IT/IS Manager works closely with the Director of Corporate Services to develop, communicate, and execute a corporate IT/ IS strategy that aligns with the overall corporate strategy and the attainment of associated corporate goals.  

The Manager of IT/IS plays an important role in liaising with other members of the Management Team to ensure that IT and IS plans and priorities properly support the functional departments in their requirements to meet organizational improvement targets. 

Positions Supervised:  7 including an IT/IS Supervisor 

DUTIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Under the direction of the Director of Corporate Services, the Manager of IT/IS collaborates with executive leadership and manage and will ensure to align IT/IS priorities with the corporate vision, mission and values.
  • In close communication with the Director of Corporate Services, the Manager of IT/IS prepares long and short-range plans, working with executive leadership, for application selection and integration, systems development, and acquisition of the resources needed to support them. Plans assure responsiveness of long-range plans to corporate objectives.
  • Liaise with the City of Kingston IT department and provide coordination and support for the IT service delivery provided by the City of Kingston
  • The IT/IS Manager will be accountable for the procurement, planning, management, delivery and maintenance of the customer information system (CIS) and other implementation projects that are part of the overall IT strategy.
  • Provides leadership to the IT/IS Team in the development of a comprehensive work program including, motivating and developing all staff within the IT/IS team.
  • Directs the team’s day to day activities, providing guidance and mentorship to IT team members.
  • Leads and coordinates the development of IT/IS system infrastructure to ensure key business strategies and processes are supported by systems that enable growth and flexibility including evaluation of new technologies
  • Champions an innovative cyber security program to ensure the protection utility customers, employees and assets.
  • The IT/IS Manager will represent the IT/IS department within the organization and ensures the IT/IS Team is aware of corporate direction and expectations.
  • Provides direction and oversight ensuring proper IT/IS operational and capital programs are carried out in a cost-efficient and effective manner.
  • The IT/IS Manager will collaborate with peers to ensure internal customer satisfaction and collection of IT/IS needs as they develop across all departments.
  • Act as a single point of contact for software/hardware purchases from across the company, ensuring adherence to purchasing and cybersecurity policies.
  • Assists in the development of IT/IS departmental operating and capital budgets, business planning and IT/IS assets
  • Develops policies and procedures related to network, hardware and software, and cyber security and leads user training initiatives
  • Designs and plans system upgrades, local and wide area networks upgrades, and maintenance upgrades of servers.
  • Participates in IT/IS related industry group and initiatives such as USF and Ontario Energy Board working groups. Stay abreast to trends and opportunities within the Ontario utility industry 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Education: The ideal candidate has a minimum 4-year university degree in computer studies, or other closely related course, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.  A CISSP or similar security designation would be considered an asset.
  • Experience:  Minimum of 10 years of practical experience in a corporate IT/IS environment with 5 years’ supervisory/management experience.    Experience in managing an ERP or CIS Implementation Project would be considered an asset.
  • Knowledge:  (1) Advanced academic and practical knowledge of network routers, switches and firewalls; (2) Current knowledge and hands-on experience of Microsoft infrastructure, including: Windows Server, Office 365 Active Directory;  (3) Knowledge of Linux Operating Systems; (4) Current knowledge and hands–on experience with set-up, configuration and management of virtual server technologies; (5) Knowledge of DevOps methodology;  (6) Cyber Security standards (NIST) and system hardening techniques;  (7) ITIL working knowledge; (8) Budget and project management
  • Skills:  Advanced written and verbal communication skills.  Advanced interpersonal skills.  Advanced project management skills.  Complex Problem Solving.  Advanced ability to coordinate, organize and plan complex and varied inputs into projects  and budgets.  Advanced ability to think and plan strategically and translate strategy into action.  Advanced MS Office skills
  • Other Skills: Class G drivers’ license 

KEY ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES

Relationship and Network Building

Seeks and builds alliances, maintains effective relationships, communicates in a compelling and articulate manner instilling commitment, and fosters open respectful two-way communication channels, internally and externally, to further the strategy and vision of the enterprise.

Political Savvy

Knows, understands and operates sensitively and effectively within the political structures and climates, strategically influencing outcomes.

Communication and Presentation

Ability to articulate ideas and concepts in a way that influences receiving individuals.  Ability to respectfully communicate ideas and information (often technical) in writing to ensure that information and messages are understood and have the desired impact

Decision Making

Analyses and synthesizes information to understand issues, identify options, and make appropriate, realistic and timely decisions based on consideration of the available facts and alternatives and sound calculation of risks.

Negotiation

Actively listens for underlying nuances and messages and uses effective communication to build consensus, manage and/or resolve conflicts, and reach mutually agreeable outcomes.

Resilience

Remains energized, positive, and focused in the face of ambiguity, change or strenuous demands. 

Note (1): This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties which may be assigned from time to time. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To explore this opportunity further, please email your resume (filename - “Last name, First name - CV”), with “Utilities Kingston Manager of Information Technology” in the subject line, in confidence to Larry Sartor at larry@sartorandassociates.com and Mark Fukuzawa at mark@sartorandassociates.com. 

It is Utilities Kingston’s policy to comply with all applicable laws and regulations which prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, religion, creed, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or marital status or any other protected class. 

Appropriate accommodations will be provided as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) upon request.  We thank all those that apply for the position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.

Skip to the main content