Director IT Operations

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us? 

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.

We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.  

Who we are 

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

 

The opportunity

The Director, IT Operations will report directly into the CIO, and have primary responsibility to oversee the IT Operations function supporting all IESO computing environments to ensure they operate in alignment with the high reliability standards required. This function is responsible for the operation of Critical Computing Infrastructure, essential to the public good in Ontario and connected jurisdictions.

The Director, IT Operations is responsible for the implementation and operation of all technology infrastructure deployed, which includes the IESO’s data centers, network, servers, storage and related software and corporate IT systems.

This position is operationally responsible for ensuring the availability, integrity, and security for all IESO IT systems and infrastructure requiring an experienced and technically competent Information Technology Operations hands-on approach, with strong communication, leadership and organizational development skills.

Must be able to work with multiple project teams simultaneously and thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environment requiring high standards of quality and reliability.

What you’ll do

• Manage IT Operations staff and oversee the 24 X 7 operations of IT Operations and infrastructure, ensuring systems and teams meet SLA performance reliability, and security objectives.
• Manage all relevant aspects of infrastructure compliance as they relate to industry standards that the IESO is subject to.
• Be a catalyst for the transition to modern efficient practices (e.g. continuous delivery development), reducing delivery cycle time.
• Own the overall Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) development and implementation.
• Define, measure and report on operational Key Performance Indicators.
• Lead the development and implementation of short and long-term operational plans to ensure infrastructure capacity meets existing and future requirements.
• Lead infrastructure strategic planning, fostering innovation, planning projects, and managing change.
• Research industry trends and emerging technologies and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and infrastructure flexibility.
• Develop IT Operations departmental objectives, strategies, governance processes, and budgets in collaboration with the CIO.
• Develop, document, test annually and execute an enterprise-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plan when required.
• Ensure maintenance plans, information controls, monitoring and alerting systems, back-up and recovery strategies are in place across all systems and environments.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure infrastructure-specific products and services.
• Manage infrastructure related contracts and ensure vendors are delivering on their contractual obligations.
• Analyze cost-benefit and develop business cases for IT infrastructure initiatives.
• Manage and oversee the corporate information technology function and service desk activities.
• Responsible for delivery of various IT Operations related projects and change initiatives.
• Ensure the Technology Support group contains the necessary skillset to meet both the current and future needs of the business.
• Ensure the supervision, development, and overall management of staff within the group (including where necessary remedial and disciplinary actions) to support the proper operation of the department.
• Act as a coach and facilitator to create and sustain a co-operative and supportive team environment.

What you need to succeed

Education: 

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of ITIL, CSAE 3416 and NIST compliance standards or equivalent.
• Understanding of LINUX and Windows computer systems, features, and integration capabilities as well as Networking platforms and Oracle DBMS and EMC/NetApp storage.
• Exposure to business theory, business processes, management, and budgeting.

Experience:

• 10+ years work experience in IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, networks, and security.
• 5+ years leadership experience directing technology operations.
• Demonstrated progressive experience of operating a large scale Critical Infrastructure production system as an individual contributor prior to moving into management.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership with the ability to align resources around the company direction.
• Demonstrated people leadership with the ability to select the best candidate for the job, develop, mentor and motivate the team.
• Experience with scalable enterprise deployments running in high availability.
• Experience in conducting research into emerging technologies, trends, standards, and products.
• Experience in technology strategy planning, execution, and policy development.
• Excellent understanding of project management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to apply IT solutions to business problems.
• Exposure to business theory, business processes, management, and budgeting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to manage, persuade and influence.
• Strong interpersonal and consultative skills with the ability to work effectively at all levels within an organization.
• Ability to present ideas, technical proposals, and business cases to senior executive in a business-like, professional manner.
• Exceptional analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving abilities.
• Work well under pressure and able to multitask to meet project deadlines.

What’s in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace 
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter 
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching 
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry 
   

Deadline: September 2, 2025 at 11:59PM

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview. 

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Mississauga, ON location.

Join our talent community

Sign up for the talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

Find out why we were selected as Greater Toronto’s Top 2025 Employers, and what we offer.