Senior Manager, Information Technology

About the University of Ottawa Information Technology Department

Information Technology at the University of Ottawa offers a dynamic and collaborative environment, focused on optimizing technological investments to enhance student experience and support the activities of faculty, researchers, and staff. The department prides itself on its people, welcoming professionals eager to apply their intellectual prowess and advance their careers. You will gain access to a rich IT environment featuring a diverse range of platforms, products, and services, where innovative ideas are encouraged. Working in this challenging and rewarding atmosphere will bring out your best, aligning with the drive to advance IT in higher education. The University provides cutting-edge technologies and benefits that support a better lifestyle, all within minutes of gyms, the Byward Market, downtown, and the Rideau Canal for recreational activities.

Position Purpose: Senior Manager, Information Technology

Reporting to the Senior Director, IT Solutions, the Senior Manager, Information Technology leads a team of IT professionals responsible for the development, maintenance, and support of various IT solutions. This role may oversee a single large application or a portfolio of smaller applications, managing highly valued IT assets critical to the University’s business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Case Preparation: Collaborate with client managers to identify new business needs and technology opportunities, evaluate technical, economic, and operational feasibility of solutions, and develop comprehensive project proposals.
• Human Resource Management: Lead and manage a team of IT professionals across multiple development projects and support activities. Provide guidance on project planning, development methods, design alternatives, and technical options. Foster a positive work environment, recruit staff, evaluate performance, and ensure professional development through appropriate training strategies.
• IT Solutions Development: Direct all phases of systems analysis and design, programming, debugging, quality assurance testing, documentation, and system implementation. Evaluate "buy" vs. "build" approaches, develop RFIs/RFPs for commercial software, conduct detailed functional and technical evaluations, and select appropriate design architectures for University applications.
• Methods, Tools, Techniques, and Standards: Stay current with new technologies, work methods, and techniques in computing. Proactively research and evaluate new products, building business cases for acquisition when appropriate. Define or contribute to the definition of systems development methodologies and standards, ensuring team adherence.

What You Will Bring

• University degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a complex and diverse IT environment, including project planning and management, risk analysis, and IT resources management.
• Knowledge of the University’s information technology policies, procedures, and standards.
• Extensive experience with various software development methodologies, tools, and techniques (systems analysis, data modeling, database design, system design, programming, quality assurance, documentation, change and problem management).
• Proficiency in using software metrics, formal estimation methods, and defect measurement.
• Proven experience managing a team of IT professionals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiating, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Bilingualism (French and English, spoken and written).

Key Competencies at uOttawa

• Planning: Ability to organize actions and events over time to achieve objectives and projects; plan and prioritize daily work.
• Initiative: Demonstrate creativity, suggest improvements, encourage positive results, be proactive, and show willingness to go above and beyond.
• Client Service Orientation: Anticipate and identify client needs, both internal and external, and find effective solutions.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: Collaborate effectively with team members, accept and provide constructive feedback, and adapt behavior to achieve team goals.

University Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Ottawa values diversity and inclusion, committing to employment equity. They foster a culture of respect, teamwork, and inclusion, driven by collaboration, innovation, and creativity towards research and teaching excellence. Applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons are encouraged. The University ensures an accessible, barrier-free work environment and provides accommodation during recruitment, assessment, and selection processes. Canadians and permanent residents are given priority.

Key skills/competency

• IT Management
• Project Planning
• Systems Analysis
• Software Development Life Cycle
• Team Leadership
• Risk Management
• Business Case Development
• IT Solutions
• Technical Evaluation
• Bilingualism (English/French)