Senior Manager - IT Shared Services

University of Guelph•Guelph, ON

About The Position

The Senior Manager, IT Shared Services provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for IT services across the Colleges of Biological Science and Computational, Mathematical & Physical Sciences. This role provides leadership to a team of IT professionals and works in close partnership with central Computing and Communications Services (CCS) and other campus stakeholders. The role is responsible for establishing and advancing a shared services IT model that delivers reliable, secure, and client-focused technology support for teaching, research, and administrative functions. This position leads the planning and execution of IT strategy, oversees end-to-end service delivery and user support, and provides technical direction across a diverse and complex environment. The Senior Manager acts as a liaison and advocate between the colleges and the CIO team and ensures that services are aligned with institutional priorities while responding effectively to evolving academic and research needs, including emerging technologies and data security requirements. Working in close partnership with central IT, faculty, and college leadership, the role balances local service needs with centralized service models, drives continuous improvement, and ensures effective stewardship of systems, resources, and risk. The position is expected to establish strong service standards, build a high-performing team, and promote a culture of responsiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement across IT services.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related field.
8–10 years of progressive IT experience, including proven experience in leadership in complex, service-oriented environments.
Strong technical foundation across IT infrastructure, systems, and support environments, with the ability to provide credible technical leadership.
Demonstrated experience in IT service delivery, user support, and implementing shared or centralized service models.

Nice To Haves

Advanced credentials (e.g., MBA, PMP, CISM) are assets.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a college-wide IT strategy, ensuring alignment with academic, research, and administrative priorities.
Oversee end-to-end IT service delivery, including user support, technical services, and project implementation, ensuring services are reliable, responsive, and meet client needs.
Provide technical direction and guidance on systems, infrastructure, applications, and emerging technologies, ensuring solutions are secure, compliant, and fit for the academic and research purpose.
Identify risks and recommend improvements to IT systems, processes, and controls
Provide senior-level technical advice to faculty, staff, and leadership
Lead and develop a multidisciplinary IT team, fostering a strong service culture and ensuring effective support across teaching, research, and administrative environments.
Partner with central IT and external providers to optimize service delivery through shared services, vendor partnerships, and continuous improvement.
Oversee delivery of IT services across CBS and CCMPS in collaboration with central IT partners
Provide leadership and supervision to a team of IT professionals
Oversee and coordinate IT projects supporting teaching, research, and administration
Support adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, while ensuring data security and compliance
Ensure alignment with university standards for security, data privacy, and infrastructure
Support specialized environments including research and teaching labs
Manage relationships with internal service providers and external vendors
Act as an escalation point for complex IT issues