IT Manager

Job description

RLG is an implementation firm that partners with clients to accelerate their improvement journey. We drive transformative change through on-site coaching that shifts the processes and behaviours – connecting the front line to the bottom line. We are seeking a hands-on, experienced IT Manager to lead our IT function through the next stage of its evolution - including our ongoing transition from on-premises infrastructure to a cloud-first environment. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you will lead a small, capable IT function: an existing IT Support/Tech Admin who manages our service desk and hardware lifecycle and work closely with the Data Team (Data Scientist and Data Analyst) who owns our Microsoft Fabric, BI, and AI platform work. Rather than doing everything yourself, you will direct a managed service provider (MSP) for hands-on infrastructure execution and a managed security (MDR) vendor for monitoring and triage -freeing you to focus on architecture decisions, governance, and the judgment calls that shouldn't sit with a vendor or a support desk. This is a full-time, permanent, on-site role based at our Vancouver, BC head office (5 days/week). We would love to hear from you if you are energized by bringing order to a fast-moving, resource-lean environment and want real ownership over how a growing firm's technology function is built. As an IT Manager, you will: Own infrastructure and identity architecture - servers, virtualization/clustering, storage, networking, and hybrid Active Directory / Microsoft Entra ID identity, directing an MSP for hands-on execution and surge support. Lead the migration from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based platforms, setting the technical roadmap and sequencing. Serve as the organization's security governance authority: set policy, own the incident escalation process, and manage an MDR/security vendor relationship for monitoring, phishing triage, and fraud validation. Manage IT vendor relationships and contracts (MSP, MDR, hardware, software licensing, telecom), including budgeting and invoice approval. Administer Microsoft 365 and SharePoint platform governance, access controls, and configuration standards. Own AI tool governance and provisioning: set acceptable-use policy for enterprise AI platforms (Microsoft Copilot and others), manage licensing and access, and enforce data-handling guardrails for client and company information used in AI systems. Coordinate with the Data Team (Data Scientist and Data Analyst) on data access governance and secure data architecture for AI/BI systems, setting guardrails without owning day-to-day pipeline, model, or agent development. Manage and mentor the IT Support/Tech Admin role, including coverage and vacation planning. Maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans for core systems and data. Evaluate technology investments and work with Finance on IT budget planning and cost optimization. Own software licensing compliance and the software asset lifecycle. Own and maintain IT architecture documentation, operational runbooks, system inventories, vendor/escalation procedures, and recovery documentation, ensuring critical systems have appropriate secondary support coverage. You will thrive in this role if you bring: Comfort being the final decision-maker on security and infrastructure incidents, with sound judgment under pressure. Enjoyment in directing vendors and specialists as much as doing technical work yourself. Energy for bringing structure to a lean, fast-moving environment rather than a large, siloed IT department. The ability to communicate technical risk and trade-offs clearly to non-technical executive stakeholders. A proactive approach to documentation - you leave things better understood than you found them. To qualify for this role, you must have: 7+ years of progressive IT experience, including senior or lead technical roles in infrastructure, identity, or security. 2+ years of experience managing vendors, budgets, and/or direct reports. Hands-on experience with Windows Server virtualization (Hyper-V), storage/clustering technologies, and enterprise networking (VLANs, firewalls, VPN). Experience with hybrid identity architecture (Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID) and MFA/remote access technologies (e.g., RADIUS, RD Gateway) is a must. Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and SharePoint administration is a must. Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure infrastructure, including cloud/hybrid architecture, networking, identity, compute, storage, and migration or modernization initiatives. Experience managing or directing a managed service provider (MSP) or managed security (MDR) relationship is strongly preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, or Power Platform is an asset, enough to govern and coordinate, not to build. Understanding of AI governance considerations - data privacy, acceptable use, vendor risk - for enterprise AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot is an asset. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience; relevant certifications (security, Microsoft) are an asset. Strong understanding of core enterprise infrastructure services including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, VPNs, routing, and certificate-based services. Experience in a professional services, consulting, or similarly lean IT environment is an asset. What success looks like A successful IT Manager at RLG brings order and clear direction to a lean, fast-moving technology function - setting the architecture and security posture, directing vendors with confidence, and giving executive leadership straight answers on technical risk and trade-offs. Over time, this role will own the firm's cloud migration end-to-end and shape IT's scaling as RLG grows. In return, you'll get direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making, real ownership over how our IT function is built and structured as the firm grows, the opportunity to lead a cloud migration from the ground up rather than inherit someone else's roadmap, and competitive compensation aligned to experience and impact. What we offer Three weeks of vacation annually so you can recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Six paid sick days each year to support your health and give you the time you need to recover. We support your long‑term financial wellbeing through a competitive RRSP matching program. We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits to ensure you have access to the care you need. RLG is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact . AI Use: We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools are used solely to support the recruitment process and provide additional insights. Final hiring decisions are made by qualified recruitment team members based on a comprehensive review of each candidate. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.