Assistant Vice President, IT Operations, Infrastructure and Cybersecurity


Information Technology
Toronto, Ontario

Assistant Vice President, IT Operations, Infrastructure and Cybersecurity

DUCA is looking for an Assistant Vice President (AVP), IT Operations, Infrastructure and Cybersecurity to joined our IT team. 

Job Purpose & Summary

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the AVP, IT Operations, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity is responsible for planning and the operation of applications, infrastructure, cloud services, telecom, IT support services/help-desk, and business intelligence. This leadership position will drive the tactical direction of IT Operations, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity to define and deliver reliable, secure, and scalable network systems, processes, and other services.  Given DUCA’s size, the incumbent in this role needs to be a hands-on leader able do the work as well as accomplish results through others.

The ideal candidate for this role is an exceptional leader with strong coaching, mentorship and career development skills.

Key Accountabilities & Duties

  • Lead and mentor the IT Operations, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity team creating a culture that fosters engagement, passion, and enthusiasm for DUCA’s vision, mission, and values.
  • Participate in the development of DUCA’s IT strategy as it relates to infrastructure, cybersecurity, and operations; implement and operationalize the strategy.
  • Identify the most efficient and effective use of both in-house and out-sourced services for cloud applications, data center, computing, information security, data and voice networks, storage, systems, and infrastructure services.
  • Manage the design, documentation, implementation, and daily operations of a reliable, secure, optimized, efficient, and scalable network that supports the delivery of exceptional Member and employee experiences.  
  • Develop, document, and implement procedures and schedules for maintaining the network and ensuring timely patch management.
  • Manage production technology incidents to resolution, ensuring timely engagement, escalation, and effective communication to business, technology, and vendor partner.
  • Identify new technologies necessary to support a high-tech, high-touch business strategy and develops recommendations and business cases where necessary for presentation to senior management.
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and oversee DUCA’s cybersecurity program ensuring DUCA is able to identify and detect threats, and protect, respond, and recover from threats and incidents.
  • Execute security management tasks including the monitoring, installation, and activation of malicious software protection tools, applying security protocols to network connectivity, managing user identify and logical access, and providing security data as needed when investigations arises.
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and oversee enforcement of policies, procedures, and associated plans for system security administration and user system access based on industry-standard best practices.
  • Manage IT operations, cybersecurity and infrastructure projects from a total systems perspective ensuring that any impacts to end-users are identified and addressed in partnership with business change management support from DUCA’s Project Management team; ensure projects with workstreams requiring support from the IT Operations, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure team are appropriately resourced and project milestones are delivered on time, in scope, and on budget.
  • Develop, implement, and test the IT elements in the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
  • Provide the business with end user support and services for applications, infrastructure, and hardware including servers, laptops, printers, scanners, tablets, smart phones etc.; analyze trends in support requests including root cause of technology issues, employee skill and knowledge gaps, inefficient business processes, etc.
  • Procure and manage all infrastructure related hardware and software following DUCA’s Vendor Management Policy.
  • Participate in the development of the IT component of the Annual Operating Plan and manage the IT infrastructure and operations budget.
  • Manage relationships with vendors and service providers to ensure they cost-effectively meet the needs of the organization; ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are established and service and operational metrics are collected, reviewed, and reported on, on a regular basis.
  • Conduct research on emerging cloud technologies in support of infrastructure development efforts, and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and infrastructure flexibility.
  • Remain informed on trends and issues in the IT and security industries, including current and emerging technologies and prices; advise, counsel, and educate executive and management teams on their relative importance and financial impact.

     Occupational Experience & Education Requirements

    • Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Business, or related field.
    • 15+ years’ experience in IT.
    • 10+ years’ experience managing and directing an IT Operation with infrastructure planning and development.
    • 10+ years’ experience leading a ream of highly skilled technical professionals.

       Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

      • Proven analytical, strategic and conceptual thinking and execution skills.
      • Advanced knowledge of systems design methodologies & development, including core infrastructure and enterprise-wide applications, as well as online applications, and web-based systems, voice and data communications technologies, security frameworks & methodologies, open architecture systems, common programming languages, open-source software, business intelligence, and data analytics.
      • Proven ability to effectively utilize techniques designed to reduce frequency, duration, and impact of common business disruptions particularly as they relate to branch/contact centre operations, electronic services and telecommunications.
      • Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to explain technical concepts and technologies to business leaders and senior executives.
      • Strong leadership, inter-personal, and collaboration skills.
      • Proven ability to increase employee engagement, build, retain and manage a highly-skilled and motivated team.
      • In-depth knowledge of IT practices/trends in the financial services industry and operating policies.
      • Strong project management skills and a track record of successfully managing change, process improvement, and operational performance.
      • Ability to collaborate, build relationships, and influence individuals at all levels within the organization and strong vendor management skills.
      • Strong budget management skills and ability to develop and obtain approval for significant business cases.
      • Strong problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills including the ability to identify and evaluate business threats and opportunities.
      • Able to work under pressure of time deadlines, be flexible, and able to shift resources and priorities as required.
      • A continuous learner who has a thirst for keeping abreast of new and emerging technologies. 

       Working Conditions

      • This position is required to work weekends and nights as necessary to ensure network availability and to support after regular business hours deployments of new systems, patches, fixes, and/or other infrastructure enhancements.

      Department: Information Technology

      Primary Location: 5255 Yonge Street, North York, ON

      Employment Status: Full-time

      Hours per Week: 38

      Job Grade Level: 11


      About DUCA

      DUCA exists to help people do more, be more and achieve more with their money and their lives. We’re driven by a co-operative philosophy that puts our Members (and Owners) at the centre of every decision we make, gives them a voice in how we’re run, and rewards them for their loyalty by sharing our profits.

      At DUCA, we’re dedicated to creating a positive environment where our employees have growth and development opportunities, a healthy work/life balance, opportunities to give back to the community, and a focus on doing what is right for our Members. DUCA offers a competitive total compensation package including base salary, a short-term incentive (bonus) program, a comprehensive benefits program, pension plan, and employee banking benefits.


      DUCA is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Recruitment related accommodations will be provided upon request.

      Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their application. Applications must include both a resume and cover letter.

      We thank all applicants but only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

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