Job Description

Director, Information Technology

Why work at Blaney McMurtry LLP?

Blaney McMurtry LLP

is a multi-service 120 + lawyer firm, based in the heart of downtown Toronto. For more than seventy years, we have helped clients overcome challenges and seize opportunities through our continuing commitment to achieving results and building relationships. We seek exceptional individuals who take pride in their work and know the importance of excellent client service.

Our motto is "Expect the Best" and that goes both ways. At Blaneys, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace that respects and supports all of our staff. We offer a competitive salary based on experience and paid vacation. Your well-being is very important to us and this is why we offer an excellent benefits package which includes health, dental, as well as an Employee Assistance Program. If you would like to gain new skills, we have abundant training and professional development opportunities to help to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Job Summary

The Head of Information Technology will provide technology vision and leadership for developing and implementing IT initiatives that improve cost effectiveness, quality of service, and business development in a constantly changing, competitive marketplace. The Head of Information Technology will lead the firm in planning and implementing enterprise information systems to support both distributed and centralized business operations using a combination of Cloud-based and on-premise technologies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

This position will provide strategic and tactical planning, development, evaluation, and coordination of the information and technology systems for the firm. The Head of Information Technology will ensure the continuous delivery and operation of integrative front and back-end systems to support the legal and administrative sides of the firm.

The Head of Information Technology will be responsible for the management of multiple information and communications systems and projects, including voice, data, imaging, and office automation. The Head of Information Technology will report to the COO and manage the firm's information systems staff.

The Head of Information Technology will be responsible for coordination, facilitation, and consultation with all of the firm's lawyers and staff on information systems, communications, and management systems initiatives. The Head of Information Technology will ensure that the firm's technology is currently in comparison with other firms of similar size practicing law in North America.

The Head of Information Technology will serve and participate proactively with other members of the senior management team in developing and executing strategic plans, aimed at the optimization of the use of information technology in support of the firm's business objectives. The Head of Information Technology will also participate in policy and decision-making at the firm level regarding resource allocation and future direction and control of information systems technology. These objectives define a vision for meeting current and future information and technology needs for the firm while ensuring alignment and integration of IT with the firm's overall vision, mission, and values. The Head of Information Technology will also develop, document, and maintain enterprise systems architecture, defining standards and protocols for data exchange, communications, and software.

Leadership

The Head of Information Technology will:

Provide advice on evaluation, selection, implementation, and maintenance of information systems hardware, software, and control devices, ensuring appropriate investment in strategic and operational systems. Negotiate all IT acquisition contracts, soliciting the involvement and participation of other management team members as appropriate. Provide responsive counsel, education, and service to the firm concerning IT issues and trends in the IT industry, particularly in the context of law firms. Communicate IT plans, policies, and technology trends throughout the organization, including senior management and the Executive Committee. Determine pertinent information required by management in making effective and goal-directed decisions. Ensure that the gathering, processing, dissemination, and application of this information occurs in a timely, accurate, and cost-effective manner. This will be achieved through ongoing review and education programs at executive, management, and user levels. Promote and oversee relationships between the firm's IT resources and external entities, e.g., government, vendors, clients, and other law firms.

Management and Oversight

The Head of Information Technology will:

Approve, coordinate and control all projects related to selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major systems for the firm. Develop and maintain an appropriate organizational structure capable of supporting the information needs of the firm. Develop and maintain corporate IT policies and standards relating to the acquisition, implementation, and operation of IT and communication systems. Negotiate IT Service Level Agreements and monitor IT systems performance to ensure that service levels are of a consistent high quality. Research and evaluate alternatives for the enhancement or re-engineering of IT functions or organizational structures. Provide quality service to end-users in needs analysis, solution recommendation, vendor selection, implementation, training, and post-installation support. Ensure that the information systems operate according to internal standards, external vendor standards, and legal requirements. Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure the protection of enterprise IT assets and the integrity, security, and privacy of information entrusted to, or maintained by, the enterprise. Develop and maintain an enterprise-wide business recovery plan to ensure timely and effective restoration of IT services in the event of a disaster.

Human Resources Management

The Head of Information Technology will be assisting with the recruitment, development, motivation, and retention of assigned staff according to business objectives and conforming to budgetary guidelines and HR policies. This shall be accomplished through the consistent practice of sound human resources concepts, thereby achieving teamwork, employee security, mutual respect, and maintenance of the highest level of professionalism.

Building self-supporting teams with the goal of providing excellent service to the firm. Ensure that Change is well managed and that adequate test plans are in place to support any change. Provide ongoing feedback to all reports through a transparent review process. Ensure all staff is cross trained so that there is more than one person who knows any given technology.

Financial Management

The Head of Information Technology will:

Develop and maintain the annual operating and capital budgets for the firm's information and technology systems operations consistent with established financial guidelines. Be responsible for monitoring IT activities and costs as related to the overall utilization of resources, required to meet operational requirements. Develop and maintain corporate policies and standards aimed at optimizing costs related to the acquisition, implementation, and operation of IT systems. Maintain contact with IT suppliers and sustain up-to-date knowledge of trends in technology, equipment, prices, and terms of agreements to minimize the investment required to meet established service levels. Evaluate alternatives, perform appropriate cost-benefit analyses, and recommend solutions that minimize costs commensurate with acceptable risks. Review firm-wide hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts, soliciting involvement and participation of other management team members as appropriate. Develop, when possible, firm-wide master purchase or lease agreements for hardware, software, maintenance, and telecommunication services.

Qualifications

Education

The Head of Information Technology will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Evidence of substantial business knowledge is desirable.

Experience

At least 10 years of progressive experience in managing functions and departments, dealing with information handling, workflow, and systems. Three or more years of direct management of a major IT operation is preferred. Two or more years' experience in a legal setting is preferred, but not essential. The candidate's experience should also include substantial exposure to, multiple hardware platforms, and integrated information and communications systems. Specific experience with practice management and financial management systems is desirable.

Requires Comprehensive Knowledge of:

Business principles and techniques of administration, organization, and personnel management, including in-depth understanding of the key business issues that drive the legal industry. Business process analysis and project management skills. Written and verbal communication. Negotiating with vendors, contractors, and others. Budget preparation and monitoring. Planning and organizing. Management and leadership. Interpersonal relationship-building.

Demonstrated ability to:

Relate to all levels of the user community. Be a team player who motivates and educates other team members. Plan, implement and support systems in a complex environment. Set and manage priorities. Comprehend complex, technical subjects. Translate technical language for lay audiences. Link and apply complex technologies to business strategies. Motivate and direct behaviour change.

Firms Technical Environment

Preference is given to candidates with knowledge of the following technologies:

SAN administration Network Management Mobile device management Mobile provider contract negotiations and implementation Microsoft Active Directory administration Microsoft Azure Cloud deployment and administration Microsoft Exchange 2016 Server administration Veeam Disaster Recovery administration Client-side workstation administration (Windows 10 - Apple OSX) Multi-Protocol Layer Switching (MPLS) administration Group Policy and Network Security Policy administration Windows Server Update Service Patch management Help Desk Management Microsoft SCCM administration Palo Alto Firewall administration VMware administration Citrix XenApp administration

Reports to:

COO

Interested applicants should apply here. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you require any accommodation in the application process, please contact us. Blaney McMurtry is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your interest.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Additional pay:

Bonus pay
Benefits:

Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off RRSP match Vision care Wellness program
Schedule:

8 hour shift
Work Location: In person