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.
