Director Of Information Technology

Our leading insurance client is looking for an IT Director to join their team on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will work with the Australian and Canadian team to build the Canadian IT Team and lead a successful handover from the Australian to Canadian team.

This role will operate on a flexible hybrid model with 2-3 days on site in their North York office (Yonge and Sheppard).

Job Summary

As the Director of Technology, you will lead and guide development teams through a transformation from Waterfall to Agile methodologies, ensuring effective people management and mentoring. You will drive recruitment, onboarding, and provide technical guidance to team members while strategically planning resource allocations. Your role includes crafting high-quality solutions, aligning development with business expectations, and optimizing operational processes. You'll play a pivotal role in IT audits, compliance, and incident management, and be a catalyst for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and enhance development practices and standards.
• Develop strategies for system optimization and operational streamlining.
• Implement and report metrics for improved code quality and team productivity.
• Drive support, maintenance, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation and facilitate knowledge sharing.
• Provide after-hour support as required to accommodate Australian based team on occasion.
• Lead the transition of a Waterfall team towards becoming a successful Agile unit.
• Manage, mentor, and coach development teams, ensuring their growth and success.
• Emphasize clean code practices and enhanced user experiences.
• Shape software development approaches, choosing between predictive and adaptive methods.
• Take part in after-hours support (when needed - as they are transitioning from Australian to Canadian team) and oversee IT audits, compliance, and incident management.
• Maintain clear communication and manage expectations throughout the development process.
• Strategically allocate development resources based on portfolio demands.
• Identify and implement new tools, frameworks, and guidelines.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and maintain performance metrics.
• Respond promptly to customer needs, fostering positive relationships.
• Recruit and onboard new development team members, providing technical mentorship.
• Design and develop high-performing solutions aligned with application goals.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to mentor Agile teams technically and interpersonally.
• Experience driving process enhancements and team performance initiatives.
• Successful implementation of automated unit tests.
• Track record of supporting both onshore and offshore development teams.
• Capable of persuasive communication, innovative thinking, and conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with Azure DevOps best practices.
• Deep understanding of SDLC processes, SOLID principles, OOPs, and design patterns.
• Skill in developing documentation and handling technical debt.
• Dedicated to continuous improvement, with analytical and problem-solving acumen.
• Strong written and verbal communication, adept at translating technical concepts.
• Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills.
• Proven experience in operational excellence within application development teams.
• 7 + years of leadership in managing software development teams.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting complex SQL and .NET applications/systems.

Nice to Have

• Experience in the financial industry
• Degree/diploma in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Contact center leadership experience
• MCSD certification or similar achievement.