Carquest Canada (Corporate and Independent Locations across Canada)

Position Overview:

Carquest Canada is seeking a highly skilled IT Lead to oversee the IT operations and infrastructure across our corporate and independent locations, including Canadian distribution centers. This role will report into Canadian Operations and Advance Auto Parts IT Operations and requires leadership, technical expertise, and hands-on capabilities in managing the day-to-day IT needs of our locations. The IT Lead will oversee a team of employees and ensure smooth operations while driving technology modernization and hardware refresh initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• IT Operations : Oversee daily IT operations across all corporate and independent Carquest locations throughout Canada. Ensure seamless function of IT systems, hardware, software, and networks.
• Team Management : Supervise and mentor a team of IT staff, providing guidance, leadership, and professional development opportunities.
• Technology Modernization : Identify and implement technology modernization strategies, including hardware refreshes and infrastructure upgrades, to ensure the organization remains competitive and efficient.
• Budget Management : Manage the IT budget on a year-to-year basis, including forecasting, tracking expenses, and ensuring the department operates within financial guidelines.
• New Location IT Setup : Lead the planning and execution of IT infrastructure for new Carquest locations, including networking, telecom setup, and equipment installation.
• Telecom and Networking : Provide support for telecommunications systems and networking infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and uptime.
• Infrastructure Management : Oversee the organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, and network systems, ensuring system integrity, security, and reliability.
• Vendor Management : Collaborate with third-party vendors to acquire necessary technology, services, and hardware. Ensure vendor compliance with organizational standards and budgets.
• Problem Resolution : Serve as a key escalation point for IT issues and provide hands-on support as needed. Ensure issues are resolved in a timely manner with minimal business disruption.
• Strategic Planning : Work with senior management to align IT strategy with business goals, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience : 10+ years of IT experience, with a focus on infrastructure, networking, and telecommunications.
• Leadership : Prior experience managing IT teams and leading technology initiatives.
• Technical Skills :
• Expertise in telecom systems, networking, and IT infrastructure management.
• Hands-on experience with hardware refreshes, server management, and networking setup.
• Knowledge of IT systems for retail environments.
• Budgeting : Experience managing and forecasting budgets, with the ability to optimize resources and cost efficiencies.
• New Location Setup : Proven track record of successfully setting up IT systems for new retail or corporate locations.
• Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal teams and external vendors.
• Problem-Solving : Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage and resolve complex IT issues.
• Bilingual – French/English mandatory

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in retail IT environments, particularly in the automotive parts industry.
• Experience with technology modernization projects, including cloud migration and digital transformation.
• Familiarity with IT compliance and security best practices.