Lead IT Business Relationship Management Specialist

The Lead IT Business Relationship Management (BRM) Specialist is responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative and trusted relationships between Information Technology Services (ITS) and all County departments. The position provides leadership and capabilities to support the organization's transformation towards client centric, high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective solutions in delivering programs and services to residents.

As a trusted advisor to client departments, the role provides leadership in portfolio management, project execution, and operational oversight, ensuring processes, KPIs, and vendor agreements meet expectations. The position manages internal staff, contractors, and vendors while leveraging problem-solving and systems thinking to address complex issues. Acting as a trusted advisor, the IT BRM Specialist collaborates with leadership to develop solutions, resolve challenges, and deliver executive-level advice and reporting to client leadership and management teams. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a portfolio of client departments by developing and maintaining strategies, plans, and roadmaps with timelines, prioritization, and resource allocation to achieve strategic and business outcomes and alignment
• Develop a portfolio workplan that identifies projects, priorities, and requirements, while securing funding and resources across departments
• Coordinate, direct, and oversee the successful execution of projects in the portfolio workplan while maintaining in-depth knowledge of the portfolio's needs, challenges, and technology
• Lead, coach and mentor a team of IT professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, while providing expert guidance and support to enhance team capabilities
• Accountable for the implementation and management of services, procedures, tools, and documentation to ensure high service integrity and availability 
• Maintain documentation, develop standards, and create new IT services through business analysis, implementation, operations, and monitoring
• Liaise with ITS resources, business clients, and vendors to ensure client priorities and issues are addressed promptly and effectively
• Stay current with technological developments in software development, systems support, and user support practices, ensuring the adoption of best practices, continuous improvement in service delivery and alignment with the latest industry standards and technological advancements
• Responsible for the financial management of services including budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring of resource cost, licensing, vendor, and other costs (in conjunction with the manager)
• Accountable for implementing changes to services following proper incident, problem, and change management practices
• Ensure clients receive effective IT support by developing procedures, creating reporting tools, and collaborating with application/data owners and departments to improve systems and strengthen end-user self-sufficiency
• Responsible for implementing and monitoring controls that meet audit requirements, ensuring compliance with ITS policies and maintaining robust security measures 
• Anticipate needs, proactively design and then promote and implement technology solutions that support departments across the County
• Manage relationships with vendors to ensure adherence to service agreements, operational support, escalations, and problem management
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of County policies and applicable legislation ensuring compliance, as well as alignment with best practices and recommending updates as needed

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computing Science, Commerce, or another related discipline with a minimum of 7 years of experience in an IT environment; or a Diploma with a minimum of 9 years of directly related IT experience
• ITIL Foundation Certification, Prosci Change Management and/or PMI PMP would be considered assets
• Extensive related experience in business relationship management, client centric service, and/or stakeholder engagement
• Project management, service ownership, and/or product delivery training or experience are required 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with strong presentation and customer service skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff with varying degree of systems understanding (none to expert) 
• Advanced ability to build and maintain relationships, communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, find common ground, communicate progress and risks, and help others thrive in a continually changing environment
• Ability to apply systems thinking and strategic management to understand the big picture while focusing on details, identifying connections, assessing impacts, managing risks, and uncovering opportunities
• Advanced ability and experience working in a complex multi-stakeholder environment with competing interests and priorities
• Experience working in a Microsoft based environment
• Previous experience managing a hybrid or remote workforce

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check 

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta.  Our vision is to become Canada's most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.  

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage    
  • Health and wellness spending account    
  • Life and disability insurance  
  • Retirement and pension programs  
  • Paid and unpaid leave programs  
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.  

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.  

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.