Manager of Information Technology

Sartor and Associates has been retained by Entegrus Powerlines Inc. to fill the role of Manager of Information Technology. This is a critical leadership role, working very closely with the entire Senior Executive Leadership Team to ensure effective and robust IT applications and services for the company. The position is based in the Chatham, Ontario office and reports directly to the Director of IT and Enterprise Transformation. 

BACKGROUND

Entegrus Powerlines Inc. is a progressive company dedicated to providing the highest level of service and a safe and positive work environment. Entegrus brings electricity, renewable energy and water services to approximately 60,000 customers in southwestern Ontario, while keeping safety, reliability and efficiency top of mind. Entegrus is owned by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the City of St. Thomas, and Corix Energy Inc., and is made up of four subsidiary companies (Entegrus Services Inc., Entegrus Transmission Inc., Entegrus Renewable Energy Inc., Entegrus Powerlines Inc.) each with a role in providing the best possible value and service for our customers:

Entegrus Powerlines Inc. ("EPI") provides safe, sustainable and reliable power to Entegrus customers in the communities of Chatham-Kent, St. Thomas, Strathroy-Caradoc, Mount Brydges, Parkhill, Dutton and Newbury.

Entegrus Strategic Direction

Vision

• To be an industry leader in all we do.
• Mission
• To provide safe, reliable delivery of electricity and related services, in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.
• To provide exceptional service to our customers, support to the communities we serve and rewarding growth opportunities for our employees.
• Values:
• Safety - Safety first in everything we do.
• Inspired & empowered people - Having a workforce of inspired and empowered people who are passionate about their jobs.
• Customer and Community Focus - Exceeding the needs of our customers, and the communities we serve, by having a customer and community focus.
• Operational Excellence - Achieving operational excellence by always striving for continuous improvement.
• Sustainable Growth - Delivering sustainable growth for our stakeholders through wise investments. 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The Manager, Information Technology works with executive leadership to provide departmental vision and plans and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Information Technology Department, overseeing operations and maintenance of information systems, networks, system security and data integrity.  As well, this role is responsible for the day to day operations of the data centre and fibre network. 

The Manager of Information Technology supervises 5 staff, including: Network & Systems Administrators (2), Systems Analyst DBAs (2), and a Business Systems Support analyst. Entegrus has approximately 130 staff across the entire company. 

DUTIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provides leadership to the IT Department in the development of a cohesive team including, motivating and developing all staff within the IT team. Directs the team’s day to day activities, providing guidance and mentorship to IT team members.
• Leads and coordinates development of IT infrastructure to ensure key business strategies and processes are supported by systems that enable growth and flexibility including evaluation of new technologies
• Prepares long and short-range plans and vision, working with executive leadership, for application selection and integration, systems development, and acquisition of the resources needed to support them. Assure responsiveness of long-range plans to corporate objectives.
• Champions an innovative cyber security program to ensure the protection utility customers, employees and assets.
• Collaborates with executive leadership and management to align IT priorities with the corporate vision, mission and values.
• Provides direction and oversight for data centre and fibre operations, ensuring proper operational and capital programs are carried out in a cost-efficient and effective manner.
• Assists in the development of departmental budgets and business planning
• 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, server and client infrastructure.
• Participates in IT related industry group and initiatives such as USF and OEB 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 environment with 5 years’ supervisory/management experience.
• 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: Strategic visioning, complex problem solving, project management, presentation skills, attention to detail, relationship management, team building, excellent oral and written communication, patience.
• Other: Data centre facilities and fibre network management knowledge and experience would be considered an asset.

KEY ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and ability to drive change. The Manager will need to have a willingness to lead and influence others. An ability to convince others in an honest, respectful and sensitive manner in order to get them to buy-in to organizational objectives.
• Teamwork that creates progress toward common goals. The Manager will need to deliver work through others.     The Manager will need to have the competencies to work together effectively with peers that will have interdependent goals and common values and norms to foster a collaborative environment and drive teams in the same direction.
• Communications to build enthusiasm for difficult tasks.   The Manager will need to have the ability to articulate ideas and concepts in a way that influences receiving individuals. An ability to respectfully communicate ideas and information (often technical) in writing to ensure that information and messages are understood and have the desired impact.
• Management competency to prioritize goals for multiple groups. The Manager will need to have the competencies to listen accurately and understand unspoken, partly expressed thoughts, feelings and concerns of others. Included in this competency is an emphasis on cross-cultural sensitivity. The Manager will need to foster strong loyalty from direct reports and a willingness to cooperate from other organizational leaders.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The typical work environment is a busy open concept office environment. To ensure appropriate IT coverage, responsibilities will require evening /weekend work in response to the needs of the system being supported. Periodic travel within the Entegrus service territory to support other operational centres (St. Thomas & Strathroy) is required. This is a salaried position and includes compensation and benefits in accordance to the company’s non-union benefit program. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

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

It is Entegrus’ 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. 

We thank all those that apply for the position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.