IT Lead

IT Lead

COVE

Dartmouth, NS

COVE is a global technology partner advancing high-impact solutions from seabed to space. COVE transforms innovation into market-ready technologies through testing, commercialization support, market expertise and access to critical infrastructure. Leveraging its networks and mission-driven platform, COVE connects investors, innovators, industry, and the research community to drive cutting-edge capabilities for commercial and defence applications.

Based in Canada and operating internationally, COVE supports the full lifecycle of maritime and multi-domain technologies – from research and development to manufacturing, integration, and export – linking Canadian innovation to global markets. COVE has built a globally recognized innovation platform, with an ecosystem of more than 700 organizations spanning startups, multinational firms, researchers, Indigenous partners, and public sector collaborators.

Through its programs, facilities, and partnerships, COVE enables real-world testing and validation, strengthens supply chains, and accelerates technology adoption in complex operating environments. With strong connections across the North Atlantic, the United States, and the Arctic, and as part of international networks including NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), COVE plays a key role in advancing technologies that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and global security.

As COVE experiences rapid expansion, it is actively seeking to expand its team to further bolster its transformational influence as a global technology partner in advancing high-impact solutions. COVE recognizes that its journey toward this goal hinges on the strength of its team – a group of individuals who collaborate, innovate, and continually strive for excellence. Join COVE as it embarks on this exciting journey of discovery and advancement.

The Opportunity

The IT Lead provides hands on support for technology initiatives across COVE, with a focus on implementing new software, improving business systems, supporting adoption, and coordinating the work of the organization’s managed service provider. The role also provides leadership in identifying technology improvement opportunities, supporting technology planning, and promoting effective, secure, and efficient use of organizational technology resources. Success in this role involves delivering technology initiatives in a coordinated, timely, and well communicated manner while ensuring solutions are practical, secure, well documented, and aligned with organizational priorities.

What You'll Do:

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the IT Lead is responsible for coordinating the organization’s day-to-day technology operations, technology planning and governance, vendor and managed service provider oversight, cybersecurity coordination, systems access, software lifecycle management, and technology related risk escalation. This role is accountable for executing IT priorities, documentation, follow-up, and coordination to ensure technology services and initiatives are managed effectively and enhance the user experience across the organization.

Serve as the primary internal lead for technology operations, working with staff, leadership, service providers, and vendors to identify issues, translate business needs into technology solutions, and ensure timely resolution of technology-related matters.

Act as the administrator for SharePoint and Microsoft 365 collaboration platforms, including site administration, permissions management, information architecture, content management, workflow automation, governance implementation, and user support.

Lead and coordinate technology initiatives, including software implementations, system upgrades, integrations, process improvements, automation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement projects.

Manage relationships with managed service providers, software vendors, and consultants, monitoring service performance, deliverables, recurring issues, escalations, and contract compliance.

Support cybersecurity, privacy, data governance, access management, and technology risk management activities, including user awareness, access reviews, incident response coordination, and compliance with organizational requirements.

Evaluate systems, tools, business processes, and workflows to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen reporting, enhance data quality, reduce manual effort, and improve the user experience.

Maintain technology documentation, including systems, processes, licences, inventories, technology assets, access requirements, support procedures, and key operational records.

Track and report on technology performance metrics, project status, system utilization, service issues, and continuous improvement initiatives to support operational decision-making.

Support business continuity, disaster recovery, backup, recovery, and technology resilience activities through planning, testing, documentation, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Provide practical guidance, training, and change management support to promote effective adoption of technology solutions and consistent use of organizational systems and processes.

Promote secure, reliable, and compliant technology practices and ensure adherence to organizational policies, standards, and procedures related to technology, information management, cybersecurity, privacy, and operations.

Ensure compliance with COVE’s policies and procedures, including human resources, safety, information management, cybersecurity, privacy, and operational standards.

Take on additional responsibilities as required to support the success and growth of COVE’s programs, operations, and strategic initiatives.

What You Bring:

Post-secondary education in information technology, computer science, business systems, project management, or related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in an IT, business systems, technology coordination, project coordination, technology operations, or similar role.

Experience coordinating and supporting software implementations, system upgrades, integrations, process improvements, or digital transformation initiatives.

Experience working with managed service providers, external IT vendors, software providers, consultants, or technical support partners.

Understanding of network environments

Strong understanding of Microsoft 365, SharePoint, cloud-based applications, business systems, cybersecurity fundamentals, access management, and data protection practices.

Proven ability to gather business requirements, document workflows, identify gaps, and translate operational needs into clear technology requirements.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to support non-technical users.

Certifications such as Microsoft, cybersecurity, or related credentials are considered an asset.

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online administration, cloud-based applications, cybersecurity basics, access management, and workplace technology systems, including SharePoint Online administration, permissions management, site architecture, document libraries, metadata, content management, and workflow automation tools such as Power Automate.

Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess issues, identify root causes, and move solutions forward.

Ability to translate business needs into practical technology requirements and communicate technical information clearly to non-technical users.

Strong project, vendor, stakeholder coordination, documentation, follow-up, prioritization, and technology planning skills.

Additional Assets:

Microsoft, cybersecurity, project management, or related certifications.

Experience with IT governanc