IT Director

PURPOSE

Kitco Metals seeks a visionary IT Director to join our senior leadership team. This pivotal role will shape and execute our technology strategy, driving innovation to enhance business operations and productivity across the organization. Reporting directly to the President, the IT Director will: 

• Develop a Transformative IT Vision: Craft a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with Kitco's business goals. Create a clear roadmap for technology adoption and optimization company-wide.
• Lead with Financial and Team-Building Acumen: Manage the IT budget strategically, balancing resource allocation for technology investments with targeted spending on hiring and developing a highly skilled IT team. Demonstrate clear ROI by linking team growth and development to enhanced organizational capabilities and efficiency.
• Champion Collaborative Cybersecurity: Proactively mitigate technology-related risks, working closely with internal teams and outsourced partners to strengthen cybersecurity measures and protect critical assets and data.
• Direct Internal and External Software Development: Oversee in-house and outsourced software development initiatives, promoting best practices to ensure effective project management, quality control, and timely delivery of solutions that meet evolving business needs.
• Build Strategic Partnerships: Negotiate favorable vendor contracts, ensuring compliance and maximizing the value of technology partnerships.
• Harness the Cloud for Business Resilience: Spearhead the deployment and management of cloud infrastructure, enhancing IT flexibility, scalability, and enabling robust business continuity strategies (including BDR).
• Collaborate for Success: Partner with leaders across divisions to leverage technology for strategic business gains and operational efficiency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute IT strategies that align with and propel overall business objectives.
• Team Management: Build and lead a high-performing IT department through mentorship, professional development, and a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• IT Governance: Establish and enforce robust frameworks to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient technology management.
• Budget Management: Oversee the IT budget, optimize resource allocation, and provide clear ROI justifications for investments.
• Infrastructure Oversight: Manage and safeguard the organization's IT infrastructure, prioritizing security, scalability, and resilience.
• Provide Strategic Guidance for Software Development and Technology Projects: Ensure timely delivery and business alignment and promote the adoption of best project management and software development practices.
• Vendor Management: Build and maintain strategic vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure service levels meet organizational expectations.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary IT liaison across the organization, effectively translating technical concepts for informed decision-making.
• Change Management: Champion IT-related change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal business disruption.
• Performance Metrics: Define, track, and act upon IT performance metrics to continuously improve service delivery and user satisfaction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master's degree (MBA, MIS, etc.) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive IT experience, including 5+ years in a senior IT leadership role within a mid-to-large-scale organization. Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional IT teams, including project managers, software developers, and infrastructure specialists. Experience managing third-party vendors and familiarity with Microsoft-centric infrastructure is highly desired.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of IT infrastructure (including cloud platforms), cybersecurity, software development methodologies, and emerging technologies. Strong proficiency in Microsoft technologies (Azure, SQL, API development), with experience in cloud infrastructure solutions (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud Platform) and expertise in ERP systems and e-commerce platforms (e.g., Magento) highly valued.
• Strategic Acumen: Proven success in developing and executing IT strategies, managing complex projects, and driving operational excellence.
• Leadership & Communication: Outstanding communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Financial Responsibility: Experience managing IT budgets and demonstrating clear ROI on technology investments.
• Certifications (Preferred): Relevant certifications such as CISSP, PMP, ITIL are highly valued.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Strategic Visionary: Demonstrated ability to leverage technology for business transformation and competitive advantage.
• Analytical Problem-Solver: Strong analytical mindset with the ability to tackle complex technical and organizational challenges.
• Change Leader: Adaptable and thrives in fast-paced environments, championing necessary change initiatives.
• Team Builder: Exceptional talent for guiding, developing, and inspiring high-performing IT teams.
• Integrity: Unwavering commitment to ethical practices, data privacy, and cybersecurity.

Communication with vendors and partners (solution providers, development extensions, etc.) located outside Quebec. The success of the project and the company's reputation require effective communication in English. Communication with employees and team members outside Quebec. Negotiate and reach agreements with vendors, suppliers, and employees. Participation in conferences in English. E-mail follow-up of discussions with vendors, partners, and employees. Contract revisions, agreements, etc. must be clearly understood at a professional level.