Director, Technology Operations

Work Location
Edmonton Office
About SNDL

SNDL is the largest private sector liquor and cannabis retailer in Canada with retail banners that include Ace Liquor, Wine and Beyond, Liquor Depot, Value Buds, and Spiritleaf. As a licensed cannabis producer, SNDL also has indoor state-of-the-art grow-op facilities to supply wholesale and retail customers under a cannabis brand portfolio that includes Top Leaf, Sundial, Palmetto, Spiritleaf Selects, and Grasslands. SNDL's investment portfolio seeks to deploy strategic capital through direct and indirect investments and partnerships throughout the global cannabis industry.

Job Overview

SNDL's Business Technology Team designs, delivers and operates the products and platforms that enable SNDL's profitability and growth. This is your opportunity to apply your leadership experience at an established company in a new & emerging industry. This unique role will provide the incumbent with a broad leadership role in technology operations, platforms and projects throughout the corporation, in a team-oriented environment, with the potential for directly impacting SNDL's results and growth.

Reporting directly to the VP, Technology Operations, you are responsible for leading the company's cloud and technology services strategy, overseeing the technical teams in infrastructure and the service desk, and ensuring the smooth running of all technical systems, including hardware, software and networks. You will build and manage a high-performing team, ensure technology services are delivered with excellence, while protecting the company with robust governance and controls, and build for the future with cloud innovation. This role requires building relationships with business segment stakeholders, understanding business challenges, and delivering products and services that add value.

Roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee the design, deployment and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including cloud services and network architecture, ensuring high availability, performance and scalability.
• Lead technology support for retail stores, ensuring smooth operation of POS systems, payment processing and digital experiences.
• Oversee the employee service desk, ensuring timely and effective resolution of IT issues for corporate, retail, and manufacturing sites, with service management best practices and continuous improvement of KPIs.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high performing IT operations team
• Establish infrastructure and service policies, processes, platforms and culture throughout SNDL, that balances service levels, cost efficiency, security and compliance.
• Oversee the design and delivery of the target architecture for cloud, providing a solid foundation built on best practices, in a cost effective and value-centric manner.
• Effectively manage relationships with vendor partners, including selecting and negotiating contracts for hardware and software purchases
• Ensure strong controls and compliance across the landscape, proactively assessing risk and working with stakeholders to maintain a adherence to standards and control targets.
• Provide thought leadership and strategic innovation in technology trends, promoting a culture across the organization.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, or related field
• Demonstrated experience in network administration, data centre operations, and cloud computing
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in technology services, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role
• Cloud Infrastructure: Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.
• Network Architecture: Strong understanding of network design and management of an enterprise network infrastructure. Specific technology experience required: Cisco Meraki and Unify Networks
• Systems Administration: Proficiency in managing operating systems including Windows (desktop and server), VMware, iOS, iPad OS and Android. Experience with inTune, Purview, EntraID and M365 suite administration is required
• Storage Area Networks (SAN): Understanding of SAN technologies and their implementation.
• ITIL and Disaster Recovery: Familiarity with ITIL frameworks and disaster recovery planning
• Security Protocols: Knowledge of data security practices and compliance standards
• Emerging Technologies: Keeping abreast of the latest technological advancements and integrating them into the organization where needed
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget

• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship management skills.
• All successful candidates are required to pass background checks.

As a valued member of the SNDL team, you will enjoy:

• Competitive total compensation and incentives.
• An extended benefits package including medical, health spending account and dental.
• An entrepreneurial and innovative environment that fosters growth and continuous learning.

We are grateful for the interest in this role from all candidates, however we will be contacting only those that are selected for next steps in the hiring process.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

SNDL is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and safe workplace where all our team members have equal opportunity to succeed. We know this begins with recruitment. To honor our commitment, SNDL encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, ages and abilities.