First West Credit Union

We are currently seeking a Director, IT Technical Operations to join our team.

The Director, IT Technical Operations is a pivotal leader overseeing both people and technology, with shared responsibility for driving technology operational excellence, service delivery and results across IT. This role provides both strategic vision and hands-on operational leadership to ensure the performance, reliability and sustainability of enterprise systems. The Director is accountable for the full systems lifecycles from implementation to retirement along with the end-to-end support functions that keep systems optimized and aligned with business objectives.

We are open to filling this role across Canada, however, please note preference will be given to those that are located in BC due to the proximity of our office locations. To be considered for this role, when applying, you must be eligible to work in Canada.

Here’s what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Leadership: Provides strategic and operational leadership to technology operations and support functions that cover areas including Core Banking System, API Operations, Other Applications, Cloud Infrastructure and Help Desk. Optimizes service delivery in alignment with IT strategies and business plans through the adoption of Devops practices, streamlined processes and well-defined service level agreements. Leads, coaches, engages and mentors team, including supporting professional development and overseeing performance management activities.
2. Strategy and Planning: Develops and implements strategy and roadmaps for all support functions including Wealthview banking system, its partners and its connected eco system. Ensures the upkeep of the banking system platform and its connected ecosystem, infrastructure and other applications operational improvements and technology evergreening requirements.
3. DevOps: Partnering with delivery teams, ensures seamless delivery and maintenance of banking system services and supporting operations, including related build components, release deployment, automated testing and support, across varied delivery cadences. Provides support services and critical incident response and remediation (including communication) for core systems such as the banking system and related ecosystem, CRM, digital file room and other key applications, backed by defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs), escalation protocols, vendor partnerships and allocation of internal resources. Develops work requirements, intake procedures and oversees onboarding of new systems and applications, while ensuring audit readiness and ongoing compliance.
4. Platform/Cloud Infrastructure: Designs, supports, and maintains technology platform. Provides support and critical incident response and remediation (including communication) for technology platforms/cloud infrastructure and related ecosystem, backed by defined SLAs, escalation protocols, vendor partnerships, and internal resource provision. Provides infrastructure architecture work requirements, intake procedures, and overseeing the onboarding of new designs and platforms for ongoing IT support at all levels. Ensures audit readiness and ongoing compliance.
5. Budgeting and Vendor Management: Manages the IT budget within area of responsibility. Oversees related vendor, contractor and third-party relationships to support the integration, delivery and operationalization of systems and services in line with the Credit Union’s objectives and audit requirements.
6. Risk Management: Proactively manages operational risk in alignment with Key Risk Indicators by identifying risks, opportunities, and inter-dependencies across software development, release, change management and crypto key practices. Implements effective controls to mitigate exposures, leverages opportunities, and ensures compliance with regulatory and enterprise standards. Represents area of responsibility at IT Risk Management and Operational Risk Management Committees to promote a cohesive, enterprise-wide risk posture.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree IT, Computer Science, or related discipline required.
• 9+ years related IT experience at progressive levels of accountability, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced leadership skills.
• Advanced strategic planning skills to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to the operations of enterprise systems.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to provide strategic advice, direction and guidance to business leaders, and to ensure a highly collaborative effort amongst key stakeholders both within and outside of IT.
• Advanced problem solving and decision-making skills to effectively collaborate with others on problem diagnosis and development of innovative solutions.
• Expert knowledge of the concepts, theories, practices and techniques of the information technology field, with emphasis on the context of financial services.
• Experience in enterprise system operations in financial services or directly in Credit Union financial services sector.
• Advanced knowledge of the relevant regulatory requirements and other governing practices and principles.
• Experiences in mission critical incident management and support for enterprise systems.
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, policies, and standards (e.g. OSFI, FCAC, PCMLTFA, CDIC, applicable privacy laws, employment law, etc.) and collaborates with our regulatory compliance teams to address any compliance gaps.

What’s in it for you:

First, we strive to make our team members feel genuinely rewarded. You’ll have:

• Mental health coverage and resources
• Customizable health benefits, as well as topped-up parental leave
• Performance-based compensation, employee banking advantages and group RRSP matching
• Vacation time and flexible work arrangements to support your lifestyle

We are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive rewards package that reflects the value an individual brings to our organization. The compensation mentioned in this job posting should serve as a guide. The total cash compensation earned may vary based on a variety of factors including bonuses and/or incentives, an individual’s skills and experience, and may correlate with performance in the role.

We also provide and encourage opportunities for our employees to make a meaningful impact. After all, as a credit union we’re powered by giving back—in big ways and through small gestures. That's why we offer employees paid time off to volunteer, partner with thousands of local charities, build long-lasting relationships that help our members get ahead and commit to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

By joining our team, you’ll be able to elevate your potential. Wherever your own purpose leads, we’re here to support you with award-winning in-house training programs, access to LinkedIn Learning, and reimbursement for external courses to help you get ahead.

Take the next step in your career as part of our team. Apply for this opportunity!

Candidates, please note: if you are being considered for this role, you will be required to complete a background check, such as employment verification, credit check and criminal record check.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At First West Credit Union, we embrace diversity regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, age, diverse ability, and any aspect that makes someone unique. Inclusion is woven through our organization, from our employee-led network groups, hiring practices and education programs that address barriers and continually grow our equitable, diverse and inclusive culture.

We encourage people who are from equity-deserving groups to apply for a career with us, including women or non-binary people, persons with diverse abilities, Black, Indigenous Peoples, People of Colour and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If an accommodation would help you during the process of applying or interviewing for a career with us, please let us know how we can assist you, whether it’s preparing materials in an alternate format, booking an accessible meeting room or other arrangement.

Your individuality is welcome here.

About Us

We’re a financial cooperative that does things differently. We provide time-tested advice that helps our members feel optimistic about their future, and we offer comprehensive banking solutions that enable people to confidently reach their goals. With the financial strength and extended branch network of a large financial institution, we maintain local connections to our communities and take a unique grassroots approach to service. Our more than 250,000 members and approximately 1,250 employees operate from 45 branches throughout the province of BC, under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.

Please know we appreciate your interest in us but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.