IT Director (Digital Operations)

About Sonance Financial

Sonance Financial launched in October 2026, bringing together founder-led advisory firms in Lethbridge, Ottawa, Edmonton and Phoenix. We are building one operating model and one modern technology platform, and we need an experienced technology leader to make it work across every office.

About the role

As our first in-house technology leader, the IT Director (Digital Operations) is a hands-on role. You will be the bridge between our people and our managed IT services partner: you'll turn business needs into clear requirements, solve problems directly, and hold vendors to a high standard. You will also lead our first practical steps with AI and own our IT and AI policies. This is a chance to build technology at a growing wealth firm from the ground up, with a clear path to Head of Technology as we grow.

Reporting to the CEO on an interim basis. You will work closely with the Director of Integrations, the Director of Support Services and the Chief Compliance Officer. The role has no direct reports at launch.

What you'll do

• IT operations and managed services: Own the relationship with our managed IT services partner, including escalations, invoices and monthly service reviews. Troubleshoot hands-on across devices, networks, Teams calling and meeting rooms.
• Identity, SSO and client portal: Roll out Microsoft Entra ID single sign-on with MFA for all users. Support the launch of our client portal and resolve login issues. Run joiner, mover and leaver processes and quarterly access reviews.
• Partner firm onboarding: Build a repeatable playbook so every new office is fully working on day one. This covers device setup, Microsoft 365 email and file migration, platform access, and retiring legacy systems.
• Platform vendors: Oversee our wealth-management platforms (CRM, portfolio accounting, financial planning, ERP and related tools), keep vendor oversight records, and evaluate new tools.
• AI enablement: Work with an outside consultant to pilot practical AI workflows and scale the ones that work. Make sure each one is signed off by Compliance, and keep an inventory of AI tools.
• Security, continuity and policy: Run our information security program with our IT partner, including the annual risk assessment, vulnerability testing, incident response and staff training. Test our business continuity and disaster recovery plans every year, maintain the IT and AI policy framework, and provide evidence for audits and due diligence.
• Strategy and budget: Keep a rolling technology roadmap, manage the technology budget, and report progress to leadership.

What success looks like in your first year

• The client portal is live with single sign-on.
• A clear support model is in place with our IT partner, with SLA reporting every month.
• Our IT and AI policy framework is approved and covered in staff training.
• We have a full inventory of systems, vendors and licences, plus a 2–3 year technology roadmap.
• Two or three AI pilots have been delivered, with measured results.

What you bring

• 5+ years in IT or technology management, including oversight of managed service providers and vendors.
• Hands-on Microsoft 365 administration (Exchange Online, SharePoint, Entra ID, Intune) and experience implementing SSO.
• A track record of delivering migrations from start to finish.
• Working knowledge of security frameworks (NIST or CIS), incident response and business continuity planning.
• Knowledge of Canadian privacy and record-keeping requirements for financial services, such as PIPEDA and securities regulator expectations.
• A genuinely AI-forward mindset, balanced with good judgment about risk.
• A calm, clear communicator who can support people across several offices and time zones.

Nice to have

• Experience in wealth management or other regulated financial services.
• Familiarity with wealth platforms such as CRM, portfolio accounting, custodian integrations and client portals.
• A degree in Computer Science or Management Information Systems, or equivalent experience.

The details

• Full-time, permanent. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
• Hybrid, based in Ontario (Greater Toronto Area preferred), with up to about 20% travel to our offices.
• Base salary range: $130,000 – $180,000 CAD per year, depending on experience.
• Sonance Financial does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for this position.

Apply here: https://ats.rippling.com/sonance-financial-inc/jobs/04f35c65-4600-424a-8418-6e383ed8228e

Sonance Financial is committed to an inclusive, accessible hiring process. If you need an accommodation at any stage, let us know and we will work with you.