IT Operations Manager

Location: Vancouver, BC | Employment Type: Full-Time | Reports to: CEO Reporting to the CEO, we’re looking for a curious, collaborative and solutions-oriented IT Operations Manager to join Rival Group. In this role, you’ll lead and modernize our IT function, supporting approximately 200 employees across Canada and the US while helping shape the future of our technology ecosystem. You’ll work with smart, kind people who care about great work, real collaboration, and having fun while building something meaningful. This role is open to candidates based in Vancouver, with a hybrid working model designed to support flexibility, connection, and focused work. **About Rival Group** Rival Group brings together Rival Technologies, Reach3 Insights, and Angus Reid Group to help brands get closer to their customers through AI-accelerated, mobile-first conversational insights. Our teams blend technology, research, consulting, and data storytelling to help organizations make better, faster, and smarter decisions. We're transforming the insights industry — moving quickly, staying curious, and building work that feels fresh, human, and genuinely useful. We celebrate people who bring courage, energy, results, and kinship to everything they do. **What you’ll own** - Lead a small IT team to provide day-to-day support to local and remote users across Canada and the US while building a high-performing, service-oriented function. - Champion the adoption of AI tools including Microsoft Copilot and automation platforms to streamline IT operations and improve employee productivity. - Continuously evaluate and optimize the organization's technology stack, SaaS portfolio, software licensing, and vendor relationships. - Own employee onboarding and offboarding processes, device provisioning, asset management, and access management. - Manage Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), role-based access controls, and identity lifecycle processes. - Oversee endpoint security and MDM practices using Microsoft Intune across a distributed workforce. - Partner with the Director of Security to ensure compliance with SOC 2, ISO, and HIPAA requirements. - Establish scalable processes, governance standards, documentation, and operational best practices. **What you bring** - 10+ years of experience in IT operations, service desk management, or a similar leadership role. - Proven experience leading, mentoring, or managing small IT teams. - Strong proficiency with macOS environments and Microsoft technologies including Microsoft 365, Entra ID (Azure AD), and Intune. - Experience deploying or supporting AI productivity tools and workflow automation solutions. - Experience managing SaaS ecosystems, software licensing, vendor relationships, and technology spend. - Knowledge of identity and access management, endpoint security, and modern IT operations practices. - Experience working within regulated environments and supporting SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA requirements. - Strong communication, stakeholder management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. - A practical, curious mindset with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-moving environment. - A collaborative approach and commitment to fostering a positive team culture. **Nice to have** - Microsoft, Azure, Intune, ITIL, Security+, or related certifications. - Experience supporting distributed workforces across Canada and the US. - Experience evaluating and rationalizing complex SaaS environments and vendor contracts. - Exposure to AI governance, workflow automation, and digital transformation initiatives. - Experience working in SaaS, technology, market research, consulting, or high-growth organizations. **Why Rival for your next career adventure?** At Rival, how we work matters just as much as what we deliver. We’re building a place where people can do meaningful work, grow their careers, and enjoy the humans they work with along the way. **Fair compensation:** We’re committed to pay equity and fair pay practices. The salary range for this role is CAD $110,000 to $135,000, with final compensation based on skills, experience, and internal equity. - Home office, internet, and cellphone stipends - Retirement savings with employer matching - Parental leave top-up **Flexibility and time off:** Hybrid working, home office support, and comprehensive paid time off so you can recharge and do your best work. - Hybrid working model and home office benefits - Comprehensive paid time off - Volunteer and professional development days **Health and wellness:** Benefits that support the whole human, not just the employee. - Competitive health, vision, and dental benefits - Health spending account - Generous sick, personal, and mental health days - Additional health benefits with Canada Life **Our values** Our values guide how we work together, make decisions, and show up for customers and each other: - Courage - Results - Energy - Kinship **The not-so-fine print** You must be eligible to work in Canada to be considered for this role. At Rival, we value the unique qualities and experiences each candidate brings. We personally review every application and do not use AI or automated systems to screen or filter resumes. If you don’t see yourself fully reflected in every requirement above, we still encourage you to apply. Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often apply only when they feel 100% qualified. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Rival provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, age, ancestry, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We’re also committed to an accessible work environment and inclusive employment practices. If you require accommodation at any point in the selection process, please email . Please note that, given our security and compliance certifications, final applicants will be required to undergo a background check. No recruiters and no phone calls, please.