Information Technology Manager

Overview:

Watson Goepel LLP is a multi-service, mid-sized law firm with 40+ lawyer and offices in Vancouver and West Vancouver.

Watson Goepel LLP is looking for an Information Technology Manager to join our dynamic management team.

Reporting to the Management Committee and the Chief Operating Officer, you have proven expertise in infrastructure systems and security technologies and concepts. The role requires proficiency in helpdesk, network and security management and service delivery including, capacity, problem, incident, security and change management. As a subject matter expert in multiple domains, you will lead all IT-related projects, operations and service delivery activities. You enjoy sharing information, teaching, and mentoring your support staff of two.

Keys Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the entire IT infrastructure, managing projects, and aligning technology strategies with business objectives,
• Staying updated with technology advancements and recommend, implement, and maintain appropriate software and systems to support the firm's operations.
• Staying abreast of legal regulations and requirements relevant to the firm's operations. Implement and monitor compliance measures to mitigate risks.
• Managing IT staff by overseeing, recruiting, and training employees.
• Analyzing the IT budget and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
• Monitoring daily performance of IT systems, including computers, programs, and networks.
• Installing new upgrades for hardware and software.
• Managing the firm’s network infrastructure such as SAN, firewalls, networking switches and routers.
• Managing the firm’s Document Management System and file security and transfers.
• Troubleshooting problems and increasing overall efficiency.
• Developing and managing data backup systems and disaster recovery contingencies.
• Staying up-to-date with new IT developments in the industry.
• Plan, organize, control, and evaluate IT and electronic data operations.
• Liaise with vendors, such as IT service providers, office suppliers, and maintenance contractors, to ensure timely delivery of services and resolve any issues.
• Design, develop, implement, and coordinate systems, policies and procedures.
• Ensure security of data, network access and backup systems.
• Act in alignment with user needs and system functionality to contribute to organizational policy.
• Identify problematic areas and implement strategic solutions in time.
• Infrastructure Support and Maintenance.
• Planning and coordination of the infrastructure portfolio life cycle. The infrastructure portfolio life cycle entails the planning, prioritization, development, maintenance (including break-fix), refreshes, and end-of-life decommissioning of the infrastructure portfolio, which includes servers, end-user computing devices, storage, telecommunication/networking and security.
• Developing, facilitating and maintaining key operation standards, infrastructure technology standards, and infrastructure roadmaps, build and run documentation and knowledge transfer.
• Ensuring infrastructures are designed/configured to meet business requirements; tested in accordance with the testing methodology; performed in accordance with operating requirements; deployed to meet service/operating requirements; maintained & operated in compliance to IT policies and procedures (including security policy).

Risk Assessment and Quality Assurance:

• Providing advice and recommendations to the COO and Management Committee on emerging infrastructure technologies and opportunities to improve performance/capacity of infrastructure and operations.
• Management of risk profiles pertaining to infrastructure technologies and operations, providing recommendations to mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of work programs, and conducting quality assurance/reviews of work program deliverables of the infrastructure team & vendors.
• Planning and coordination of the infrastructure portfolio life cycle. The infrastructure portfolio life cycle entails the planning, prioritization, development, maintenance (including break-fix), refreshes, and end-of-life decommissioning of the infrastructure portfolio, which includes servers, end-user computing devices, storage, telecommunication/networking and security.
• Developing, facilitating and maintaining key operation standards, infrastructure technology standards, and infrastructure roadmaps, build and run documentation and knowledge transfer.
• Ensuring infrastructures are designed/configured to meet business requirements; tested in accordance with the testing methodology; performed in accordance with operating requirements; deployed to meet service/operating requirements; maintained & operated in compliance to IT policies and procedures (including security policy).

Service:

• Ensuring day-to-day operation of IT services and their underlying applications and infrastructure. This includes server operations, monitoring, troubleshooting, user account management, security & access controls, messaging, file & print operations, database administration, storage operation, backup & recovery, data centre operations, etc.
• Providing expert advice and engaging in the resolution of complex infrastructure and operational issues in collaboration with Managers, practice groups, and vendors.
• Adheres to standard IT and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) practices, which include incident management, problem management, release management, change management, availability management, capacity management, etc.

Special Projects:

• The firm will be upgrading its document management system from Worldox to iManage this year. You will lead this project.

What you Bring:

• University degree or equivalent in Information Technology.
• Minimum of ten years of information technology experience, five years of which in a senior or lead infrastructure and/or operations role, Ideally, in a law firm.
• Possess a broad range of infrastructure and operation knowledge (Server operations, monitoring, troubleshooting, user account management, security & access controls, messaging, file & print operations, database administration, storage operation, backup & recovery, helpdesk operations, etc.) and systems development life cycle experience in multiple technological platforms.
• Experience and ability in exercising a lead role in the conceptualization, design, and implementation of infrastructure technology initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure AD and Office 365 administration.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of data center infrastructure such as Dell EMC, VMware and iSCSI networking.
• Solid understanding and experience with SonicWall firewalls, Citrix, VPN, ZTNA and Sophos.
• Experience with VOIP systems.
• Good understanding of backup solutions and business continuity with Veeam Cloud Connect.
• Highly developed problem solving, conflict management and negotiation skills, including the ability to successfully resolve performance and disciplinary issue.
• Ability to visualize and deliver creative solutions.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking.
• Demonstrated proficiency in numeracy skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Works well under pressure and adjusts to changing needs of the Firm.
• Proven ability to prioritize and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the Firm, in a fast-paced environment and on a national platform while maintaining composure.
• Ability to develop strong trusting relationships in order to gain support and achieve results.

Benefits:

• Annual education/tuition allowance
• Ongoing continuing education opportunities
• Extended health and dental coverage
• Long term disability insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Employee referral incentives
• Fitness facility on-site
• Secured bike parking on-site
• Casual Fridays
• Social office culture
• Long service bonus

Contact:

If you want to join our team, please send a cover letter and resume to Sara Fry, Human Resources Manager athumanresources@watsongoepel.com. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.