John Samuel
Executive Consultant | Accredited Coach
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness. Expertise in recommending innovative strategies and delivering exceptional client service, consistently achieving timely, high-quality outcomes. Recognized for strong interpersonal, people management, and communication skills that foster collaboration and drive results. Committed to leveraging a results-oriented approach to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for organizational growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Director-General, Operations
Shared Services Canada
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Steered strategic direction for over 70 staff while planning, evaluating, and executing technology solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduction of response time of digital infrastructure platform.
- Major accomplishments and areas of focus:
- Directed strategic assessment of current $4 Billion IT infrastructure landscape, advising Deputy Minister on modernization and reduction of operational cost.
- Realigned team of professionals to eliminate 25% legacy tools within one year and updating operating procedures, enhancing transition to modern, cost-effective solutions for improved monitoring of digital infrastructure platform.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
Director-General, Account Management
Shared Services Canada
09.2019 - 12.2023
- Orchestrated strategic direction for CIO clients’ planning, analyzing and deploying technology in alignment with Government of Canada objectives for Canadians.
- Major milestones/key emphasis
- Provided quality business experience to CIO clients while ensuring operational effectiveness and financial accountability through prioritization and identification of key performance indicators linked to strategy via Account Management Plan and supporting dashboards.
- Established teams to explore emerging and innovative capabilities, including utilization of 5G technologies for in-building coverage compared to WiFi
- Collaborated with business and technology stakeholders to formulate and implement strategic roadmaps for digital transformation and platform modernization
- Led enterprise initiatives that supported corporate objectives and strategic goals. Actively participated in vaccination committee, refining processes for senior management delegation. Oversaw revenue forecasting efforts totaling over $600 million to drive informed decision-making. Influenced organizational success through implementation of targeted initiatives and best practices.
- Led an exceptional account team in crafting technology solutions for varied clientele. Oversaw $140 million annual client expenditure, ensuring consistent financial growth. Harnessed technical acumen to elevate project outcomes and align with client needs. Established frameworks for efficient service delivery and proactive client interaction.
- Coached 6-8 employees annually to enhance performance, provide career guidance, and support developmental goals.
Director-General, Service Delivery Management
Shared Services Canada
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Oversee IT service delivery to CIO clients, facilitating technology implementation for enhanced Government of Canada program accessibility to Canadians.
- Major accomplishments/areas of emphasis:
- Partnered with senior business leaders to secure funding for technology initiatives and oversee project portfolio to facilitate implementation, including multi-million investment supporting Government of Canada’s regulatory system.
- Conducted frequent customer satisfaction surveys to assess business stakeholder perceptions of IT service value and satisfaction. Developed customer action plans to enhance service offerings based on survey results.
- Enhanced operational effectiveness of client demand by decreasing cycle time for IT solution delivery by 20% through rigorous process re-engineering
- Deliver strategic and operational guidance to clients aligning business strategy with technology utilization and ongoing assessment of clients' technology portfolios.
- Guided team through training objectives, including technical and leadership courses alongside on-the-job training, to enhance results and elevate team performance.
Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture (Strategy)
Shared Services Canada
11.2015 - 06.2016
- Accountable for strategic direction shaping organization’s transition to new IT service model based on future IT state architecture.
- Key achievements/focus areas:
- Developed framework for analyzing client portfolio of IT Business Applications, identifying potential efficiencies and Cloud opportunities.
- Partnered with large clients (RCMP & DND) to uncover priority areas and advance key initiatives concerning projects (i.e. In-car Video Solution) or improve service delivery (i.e. business intake requests).
- Delivered strategic guidance to Government of Canada’s science departments supporting Open Government and Open Science initiatives.
Senior Director, Information Management
Public Works and Government Services Canada
04.2013 - 10.2015
- Elevated maturity of Information Management (digital and paper) while ensuring adherence to web standards for department
- Major accomplishments:
- Spearheaded major strategic initiatives to enhance management information in Department by piloting complex projects, including GCDOCS and Microsoft SharePoint for eventual roll out to 18,000 employees.
- Enhanced awareness and education of effective Information Management among 18,000 employees through employee newsletters, management committees, and specialized IM events featuring Senior Executives.
- Oversaw department in partnership with internal clients for Open Government initiative, resulting in release of 21 datasets, eight of which maintained Top 25 ranking among all Government of Canada datasets.
- Developed comprehensive four-year Strategic Plan for Information Management in Department featuring long-term goals such as paperless environment and digital authorization
Senior Director, Business Services (Program – Industrial Security)
Public Works and Government Services Canada
04.2011 - 03.2013
- Delivered business services in HR, budgeting, accommodations, and IT to Controlled Goods and Security Screening program
- Major achievements:
- Directed thorough review and execution of performance and stability enhancements for legacy business systems, including transition of IT infrastructure to new environment and identification of systems improvement opportunities.
- Initiated a project to digitize over 80,000 records, transforming business processes to electronic formats. Reduced transaction costs through streamlined digital workflows.
- Facilitated a major, transformation business case by coordinating and controlling IT cost estimates and timelines.
- Developed new Compliance and Enforcement Policy for Government of Canada’s Contract Security Program through close coordination with central agencies.
- Constructed Program Logic models for two Industrial Security programs to establish performance management framework resulting in program-specific management dashboards.
Executive Director, Client Engagement (CIO)
Public Works and Government Services Canada
11.2008 - 03.2011
- Enabled alignment of strategic business needs for internal clients through effective use of Information Technology. Directed 65% of IT annual spending across the department to maximize operational impact.
- Major achievements:
- Formulated and executed innovative strategy for client engagement, establishing branch as value-added strategic partner
- Established management dashboards, facilitated management consultations, and improved communications to involve clients in strategic IT usage and cost control initiatives.
- Spearheaded consolidation of two IT divisions into IT Service Branch, aligning with Deputy Minister's priority
- Engaged regularly with Assistant Deputy Ministers to ensure business-IT alignment and effective IT management
Sr. Director, Corporate Planning and Governance (Finance)
Industry Canada
01.2007 - 10.2008
- Implemented innovative management frameworks and processes to improve departmental operations. Delivered accurate public reporting information for departmental transparency. Enhanced client relationships, fostering strong partnerships and ongoing engagement.
- Major achievements:
- Enhanced departmental reporting to parliament by refining content quality in program descriptions and ensuring concise reports.
- Initiated departmental risk management through development of Integrated Risk Management Framework and enhancement of Corporate Risk Profile.
- Conducted comprehensive review of department's strategic objectives and programs for improved clarity. Restructured department framework to effectively articulate performance outcomes. Enabled enhanced demonstration of results to Canadian stakeholders.
Director-General, Enterprise Program Management Office (CIO)
Industry Canada
Ottawa, ON
08.2005 - 12.2006
Director, Program Management Office (CIO)
Industry Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
09.2003 - 06.2004
Education
MBA -
Richard B. Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario
London, ON 05.2001 -
Bachelors in Applied Science - Electrical Engineering
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ONSkills
Problem-solving
Project management
Operations management
Team management
People management
Budget control
Strategic planning
Team building
Staff development
Accomplishments
- Created and led high performing teams delivering quality products and services.
- Implemented new management frameworks and governance structures to improve effectiveness and oversight.
- Improved the efficiency of delivering products or services by designing new or enhanced business processes.
- Effectively developed, communicated, and implemented strategic initiatives and plans in consultation with peers, colleagues, and senior executives.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 Government of Canada
- Associate Coach (Certified) 2024 Integral Coaching Canada
- Council of Innovation and Commercialization 2021 – 2023 Conference Board of Canada
- Council of IT Executives 2019 – 2021 Conference Board of Canada
- IT/Expo 2018 Gartner Conference
Timeline
Director-General, Operations
Shared Services Canada
01.2024 - 09.2024
Director-General, Account Management
Shared Services Canada
09.2019 - 12.2023
Director-General, Service Delivery Management
Shared Services Canada
07.2016 - 08.2019
Senior Director, Enterprise Architecture (Strategy)
Shared Services Canada
11.2015 - 06.2016
Senior Director, Information Management
Public Works and Government Services Canada
04.2013 - 10.2015
Senior Director, Business Services (Program – Industrial Security)
Public Works and Government Services Canada
04.2011 - 03.2013
Executive Director, Client Engagement (CIO)
Public Works and Government Services Canada
11.2008 - 03.2011
Sr. Director, Corporate Planning and Governance (Finance)
Industry Canada
01.2007 - 10.2008
Director-General, Enterprise Program Management Office (CIO)
Industry Canada
08.2005 - 12.2006
Director, Program Management Office (CIO)
Industry Canada
09.2003 - 06.2004
MBA -
Richard B. Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario
05.2001 -
Bachelors in Applied Science - Electrical Engineering
University of Ottawa