Director of IT

Job description

At Ardent, our purpose is simple: to enrich the lives of our partners. We believe our success starts with our people - individuals who bring passion, expertise, and a commitment to continuous improvement every day. Ardent supports its operating companies through shared services and collaboration, helping each business achieve its full potential while maintaining the unique strengths and culture that make them successful. The Director of Information Technology at Ardent is responsible for leading and delivering IT services across multiple operating companies in the manufacturing and construction sectors. This role provides strategic direction, governance, and shared IT services while respecting the operational needs of individual business units. The Director of IT ensures secure, reliable, and scalable technology platforms that support plant operations, field teams, and corporate functions. This position plays a key role in standardizing systems where appropriate, managing risk, and enabling growth across Ardent. This corporate level position provides service level support to the Ardent family of companies. The position interacts with senior leadership and department leaders throughout Ardent companies. This role is currently vacant and is being filled due to an existing position becoming available. WHAT YOU WILL DO Enterprise IT Strategy & Governance Define and execute Ardent’s enterprise IT strategy to support multiple operating companies and business objectives Establish IT governance frameworks, technology standards, and shared services while maintaining flexibility to meet individual business needs Partner with executive leadership and operating company leaders to align technology investments with organizational goals Develop multi-year IT roadmaps that support growth, acquisitions, integration, and continuous improvement Infrastructure, Applications & ERP Oversee enterprise infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud platforms, identity management, cybersecurity tools, and end-user computing environments Lead strategy and support for ERP systems, financial platforms, project management tools, and manufacturing applications Ensure technology platforms are secure, reliable, scalable, and optimized across plants, offices, and job sites Drive system standardization, technology lifecycle management, and platform consolidation initiatives Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance Own and execute cybersecurity strategy across all Ardent companies, including both IT and operational technology (OT) environments Establish and maintain security controls, monitoring, backup strategies, and disaster recovery processes Lead cybersecurity risk management, incident response planning, and business continuity initiatives Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and customer security requirements IT Operations & Service Delivery Lead the delivery of reliable and efficient IT services across multiple companies and locations Establish service levels, support models, escalation processes, and performance metrics Continuously improve IT processes, documentation, and overall user experience Balance centralized IT services with the unique operational needs of each business unit Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop centralized IT resources and/or distributed technology teams Establish clear roles, expectations, priorities, and performance standards Build a service-oriented, collaborative, and security-focused IT culture Exemplify and promote the Core Values of the organization Lead weekly L10 departmental meetings Budgeting, Vendors & Shared Services Develop and manage enterprise IT budgets across Ardent operating companies Negotiate and oversee vendor relationships, software licensing agreements, managed service providers, and technology partnerships Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through shared services, standardization, and strategic sourcing M&A Support & Integration Support acquisition due diligence through IT risk assessments, systems reviews, and technology evaluations Lead IT integration activities following acquisitions, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, applications, and system alignment Ensure smooth transitions with minimal disruption to business operations WHAT YOU WILL NEED Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience) 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including senior leadership responsibilities Experience leading IT strategy, governance, and service delivery across multiple companies, locations, or business units Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, ERP systems, enterprise applications, cybersecurity, and technology risk management Proven ability to manage budgets, vendors, technology projects, and complex stakeholder relationships Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate with executive leadership and operational teams Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly between Ardent operating locations Experience in the following areas would be considered an asset: Manufacturing, construction, industrial, or related environments IT/OT integration, plant-floor systems, or field technology solutions Enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations, system integrations, and technology standardization initiatives Cybersecurity frameworks, certifications, or related industry designations (e.g., CISSP, CISM, ITIL, PMP, Azure/AWS) Supporting mergers, acquisitions, and technology integrations This role may be assigned to one of Ardent’s primary offices in Ontario, with regular travel required between Ardent Industries business locations. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive compensation package Comprehensive benefits package, including a health spending account Profit sharing program RRSP / DPSP retirement savings program Employee Assistance Program (Dialogue), including access to virtual healthcare services and wellness resources Opportunities to participate in company events, BBQs, and social activities A collaborative, family-friendly work environment that values teamwork, growth, and innovation Ardent provides accommodation to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, the hiring manager and human resources will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.