IT Operations Manager

Location: Vancouver BC Employment Type: Full-Time Reports to: CEO

Reporting to the CEO were looking for a curious collaborative and solutions-oriented IT Operations Manager to join Rival this role youll lead and modernize our IT function supporting approximately 200 employees across Canada and the US while helping shape the future of our technology ecosystem. Youll work with smart kind people who care about great work real collaboration and having fun while building something meaningful.

This role is open to candidates based in Vancouver with a hybrid working model designed to support flexibility connection and focused work.

About Rival Group

Rival Group brings together Rival Technologies Reach3 Insights and Angus Reid Group to help brands get closer to their customers through AI-accelerated mobile-first conversational insights. Our teams blend technology research consulting and data storytelling to help organizations make better faster and smarter decisions.

Were transforming the insights industry moving quickly staying curious and building work that feels fresh human and genuinely useful. We celebrate people who bring courage energy results and kinship to everything they do.

What youll own

• Lead a small IT team to provide day-to-day support to local and remote users across Canada and the US while building a high-performing service-oriented function.
• Champion the adoption of AI tools including Microsoft Copilot and automation platforms to streamline IT operations and improve employee productivity.
• Continuously evaluate and optimize the organizations technology stack SaaS portfolio software licensing and vendor relationships.
• Own employee onboarding and offboarding processes device provisioning asset management and access management.
• Manage Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) role-based access controls and identity lifecycle processes.
• Oversee endpoint security and MDM practices using Microsoft Intune across a distributed workforce.
• Partner with the Director of Security to ensure compliance with SOC 2 ISO and HIPAA requirements.
• Establish scalable processes governance standards documentation and operational best practices.

What you bring

• 10 years of experience in IT operations service desk management or a similar leadership role.
• Proven experience leading mentoring or managing small IT teams.
• Strong proficiency with macOS environments and Microsoft technologies including Microsoft 365 Entra ID (Azure AD) and Intune.
• Experience deploying or supporting AI productivity tools and workflow automation solutions.
• Experience managing SaaS ecosystems software licensing vendor relationships and technology spend.
• Knowledge of identity and access management endpoint security and modern IT operations practices.
• Experience working within regulated environments and supporting SOC 2 ISO 27001 and HIPAA requirements.
• Strong communication stakeholder management troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• A practical curious mindset with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-moving environment.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to fostering a positive team culture.

Nice to have

• Microsoft Azure Intune ITIL Security or related certifications.
• Experience supporting distributed workforces across Canada and the US.
• Experience evaluating and rationalizing complex SaaS environments and vendor contracts.
• Exposure to AI governance workflow automation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience working in SaaS technology market research consulting or high-growth organizations.

Why Rival for your next career adventure

At Rival how we work matters just as much as what we deliver. Were building a place where people can do meaningful work grow their careers and enjoy the humans they work with along the way.

Fair compensation: Were committed to pay equity and fair pay practices. The salary range for this role is CAD $110000 to $135000 with final compensation based on skills experience and internal equity.

• Home office internet and cellphone stipends
• Retirement savings with employer matching
• Parental leave top-up
  
  

Flexibility and time off: Hybrid working home office support and comprehensive paid time off so you can recharge and do your best work.

• Hybrid working model and home office benefits
• Comprehensive paid time off
• Volunteer and professional development days
  
  

Health and wellness: Benefits that support the whole human not just the employee.

• Competitive health vision and dental benefits
• Health spending account
• Generous sick personal and mental health days
• Additional health benefits with Canada Life

Our values

Our values guide how we work together make decisions and show up for customers and each other:

• Courage
• Results
• Energy
• Kinship

The not-so-fine print

You must be eligible to work in Canada to be considered for this role. At Rival we value the unique qualities and experiences each candidate brings. We personally review every application and do not use AI or automated systems to screen or filter resumes.

If you dont see yourself fully reflected in every requirement above we still encourage you to apply. Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often apply only when they feel 100% qualified. Were proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity inclusion and belonging.

Rival provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race religion age ancestry gender sex sexual orientation national origin citizenship status physical or mental disability veteran status marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Were also committed to an accessible work environment and inclusive employment practices. If you require accommodation at any point in the selection process please email

Please note that given our security and compliance certifications final applicants will be required to undergo a background check. No recruiters and no phone calls please.