Victoria Watson
Lindsay,ON
Summary
Insightful Information Technology Manager with 15 years of IT leadership experience including oversight of infrastructure, application support and security services. Dedicated to customer satisfaction with focused delivery of technical solutions. Proven leader in directing operations, maintenance and support of complex systems. Develops creative business solutions, leveraging diverse methodologies and delivering engineering solutions for leading organizations. Highly adept in request for proposal development, technology needs assessments and staff training.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of IT
Guru Studio
Toronto, ON
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Managed IT department, including directly supervising of employees and handling employee concerns and performance
- Communicated business and targeted needs to technology team and other departments as required
- Oversaw, reviewed and approved departmental finances, including budgeting and forecasting
- Enhanced IT infrastructure by implementing strategic technology upgrades and streamlining system processes.
- Implemented cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive company data and maintain compliance with industry standards.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing cost-effective services for organizational IT needs.
- Managed a team of IT professionals, providing mentorship and guidance to boost productivity and ensure project success.
- Established IT policies and procedures, fostering a secure and efficient work environment for all employees.
- Managed the procurement process for IT hardware and software, ensuring timely delivery of necessary equipment to support ongoing projects.
- Developed comprehensive disaster recovery plans, ensuring business continuity in case of unforeseen events or emergencies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to provide optimal technology support for various departments within the company.
- Developed performance metrics to evaluate IT department success and identify areas for potential improvement.
- Oversaw budget management for the IT department, allocating resources effectively while minimizing costs where possible.
- Determined business requirements from for IT and infrastructure systems to better server the studio and business
- Implemented policies that are chosen by executives and reporting progress and roadmap to President
- Identified security vulnerabilities and eliminating them with strategic solutions that increase data security
- Coordinated all IT Projects as IT Project manager
- Assisted in building relationships with vendors and creating cost-efficient contracts
- Reviewed and approved purchases and new procurements with president, ensuring payments are made
- Developed and oversaw SMART metrics for hardware, software, and storage
- Accomplished financial objectives by forecasting requirements; prepared annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzed variances; initiated corrective action
- Ensured strategic capacity planning
- Completed projects by coordinating resources and timetables with user departments and data center
- Verified application results by conducting system audits of technologies implemented
- Recommended information technology strategies, policies, and procedures by evaluating organization outcomes; identified problems; evaluated trends; anticipated requirements.
- Conducted regular audits of hardware inventory to ensure proper asset management across the organization's technology infrastructure.
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative software solutions, resulting in increased operational efficiency.
- Evaluated emerging technologies for their potential impact on organizational goals, recommending viable solutions as needed.
- Coordinated large-scale technology migrations to minimize disruption while enhancing overall system capabilities.
- Reduced downtime and improved overall system performance by proactively addressing potential issues with network maintenance.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the IT department through ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Optimized existing systems through regular evaluations, making necessary adjustments to improve functionality and user experience.
- Championed employee training programs on new technologies, empowering staff members to adapt quickly to changes in the industry landscape.
- Streamlined helpdesk operations by implementing standardized ticketing systems for more effective issue resolution.
- Facilitated seamless communication between IT personnel and other departments, promoting collaboration on key projects.
- Implemented and maintained technology and software budget.
- Wrote strategic business plans outlining need for departmental information technology resources.
- Oversaw development and implementation of improvements to support network operations.
- Identified computer hardware and network system issues, performing troubleshooting techniques for remediation.
- Analyzed network security and current infrastructure, assessing areas in need of improvement.
- Managed life cycle replacement of hardware and software.
- Led technical upgrade projects for clients by working and coordinating with consultants and developers for integrations.
- Liaised with other departments to minimize network interruptions and possible downtimes.
- Coordinated secure system access of users to various department systems and platforms.
- Communicated regularly with customers concerning data exchange and technology integration.
IT MANAGER OF CANADA
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CANADA
Peterborough, ON
11.2017 - 01.2023
- Configured and manage servers and systems, networks and applications to ensure high levels of availability and security of the supported business systems all throughout Canada
- Troubleshooting, installation and maintenance of Applications, printers and Print servers
- Provide technical support and project management to corporate units and project teams to identify, acquire, implement and support appropriate technology and upgrades within the business
- Extensive use of Active Directory and Group Policies for all Canadian sites
- Created full redundancy of all servers to ensure fail over in case of network outages
- Desktop Maintenance and repair of software and or hardware including licensing and end of life hardware
- Maintain records of all related hardware and software inventory
- Streamlined IT services such as onboarding, off boarding and Ticketing to help users quicker
- Project management and technical support of new applications and business improvements across Canada
- Maintain and manage VM software and licensing for all Canadian sites
- Created a 5 year maintenance plan to ensure the proper procedures are in place for the best performance
- Recreated a backup structure to allow full backup and disaster recovery plan compliant with Westinghouse IT security
- Integrated new companies into the Westinghouse environment
- IT service support annual budgeting and quotes to ensure we are compliant with all end of life hardware and software
- Assisted with time/cost saving solutions such as Time Entry software.
- Developed custom IT solutions to address specific business needs, driving operational improvements and cost savings.
- Collaborated with other departments to help meet IT needs and properly integrate and secure systems.
- Reduced downtime by promptly addressing hardware and software issues, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
- Optimized helpdesk performance through process improvements, enabling faster response times and increased user satisfaction levels.
- Coordinated technical training and personal development classes for staff members.
- Managed vendor relationships for hardware, software, and services procurement, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
- Oversaw technology budget planning and allocation to optimize resource utilization while meeting organizational objectives.
- Interacted and negotiated with vendors, and contractors to secure products and services
- Promoted collaboration between cross-functional teams by integrating disparate systems into unified platforms for improved communication and workflow efficiency.
- Established a robust IT service management framework based on industry standards such as ITIL, driving quality improvements and operational excellence.
- Streamlined processes through the automation of routine tasks, increasing team productivity and reducing manual effort.
- Facilitated seamless transitions during system upgrades or migrations by coordinating between stakeholders and mitigating potential disruptions to business operations.
- Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs.
- Developed and implemented measures and procedures to protect IT systems from cyber threats and data breaches.
- Managed network and system performance, conducting troubleshooting, security patching, and maintenance.
- Led a skilled IT team in providing exceptional technical support, fostering a collaborative environment that promoted professional growth.
- Championed employee training initiatives focused on enhancing technical skills and promoting best practices across the organization.
- Contributed to the successful completion of numerous high-profile projects by providing expert guidance on technology strategy, infrastructure design, and implementation best practices.
- Spearheaded disaster recovery efforts during critical incidents, restoring systems functionality quickly to minimize downtime and maintain business continuity.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within the organization''s IT landscape.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by implementing comprehensive IT policies and procedures covering data privacy, security, and access controls.
- Oversaw IT department operations and training.
- Enhanced IT infrastructure security with regular vulnerability assessments and proactive patch management.
- Improved network efficiency by implementing new server configurations and optimizing system operations.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted action plans for continuous enhancement of IT services.
- Oversaw daily performance of computer systems and immediately responded to issues to keep network up and running.
- Conferred with executives to advise and plan for short-term and long-term IT system upgrade needs.
- Built, repaired and installed computer-related hardware based on deployment procedures.
- Demonstrated familiarity with latest hardware, software and networking technology.
- Assisted in development of long-term strategies to grow department and resources.
- Led technology selection and rollout, focusing on organizational planning and supplier service-level agreements.
- Communicated with executive team and CEO to maximize development efficiencies and resolve technology issues.
- Customized and repaired technology based on staff requests.
- Updated customers and senior leaders on progress and roadblocks.
- Understood key product management roadmap objectives and requirements to develop product technology strategy.
- Created and terminated user's accounts from start to finish in business applications.
- Implemented robust backup strategies to safeguard critical data against loss or corruption, minimizing potential risks.
- Delivered strategic guidance on technology investments by conducting thorough market research and presenting recommendations to senior leadership.
- Guided organizational technology strategy and roadmaps.
- Managed life cycle replacement of hardware and software.
- Led technical upgrade projects for clients by working and coordinating with consultants and developers for integrations.
- Identified computer hardware and network system issues, performing troubleshooting techniques for remediation.
- Analyzed network security and current infrastructure, assessing areas in need of improvement.
- Coordinated secure system access of users to various department systems and platforms.
- Implemented and maintained technology and software budget.
- Oversaw development and implementation of improvements to support network operations.
- Wrote strategic business plans outlining need for departmental information technology resources.
- Liaised with other departments to minimize network interruptions and possible downtimes.
- Communicated regularly with customers concerning data exchange and technology integration.
TECHNICAL ANALYST
GE Hitachi (Compucom Inc.)
Peterborough, ON
02.2014 - 10.2017
- Configured and manage servers and systems, networks and applications to ensure high levels of availability and security of the supported business systems
- Installed, maintained, monitored and extensive troubleshooting of Windows Operating systems from Windows XP through to Windows 10
- Troubleshooting and maintenance of Microsoft Exchange 2003 and 2007
- Troubleshooting, installation and maintenance of Applications, printers and Print servers
- Provide technical support and project management to corporate units and project teams to identify, acquire, implement and support appropriate technology and upgrades within the business
- Extensive use of Active Directory and Group Policies
- Respond to inquiries and requests for assistance regarding the organization's computer systems and peripherals
- Desktop Maintenance and repair of software and or hardware
- Maintain records of all related hardware and software inventory
- Project management and technical support for over 670 users within 3 sites
- Remote Technical support provided for users located across the network in remote locations
- Assisted on projects and implementation of domain upgrades and corporate application upgrades.
IT MANAGER
Flemingview Residence
Lindsay, ON
01.2012 - 02.2014
- Proper maintenance and implementations of security procedures including Internet security
- Project management new installations and new security procedures
- Troubleshooting and connectivity of LAN and WAN connections
- Weekly Internet usage reports created and submitted to management
- Responded to student requests in a timely manner
- Created reports to support students as well as management requests
- Rebuilt entire network including all hardware and software requirements.
INFORMATION TECHNICIAN - TECHNICAL SUPPORT ANALYST
City of Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay
Lindsay, ON
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Proper maintenance and implementations of security procedures including Internet security
- Project research on Library Technology
- Troubleshooting and connectivity of LAN and WAN connections
- Experience working with clients on a Citrix and /or Terminal server environment
- Installed and networked printers and external devices
- Desktop Maintenance and repair of software and or hardware
- Extensive experience in virus, malware and spyware software and the proper removal any infected machines
- DNS hosting and record changes as required
- The risk management of systems to secure companies processes
- Troubleshooting and connectivity of LAN and WAN connections, configuring new connections and internal connections
- Experience working with clients on a Citrix and /or Terminal server environment.
SYSTEM ANALYST and IT CONSULTANT
End to End Networks
Markham, ON
06.2008 - 01.2011
- Basic network troubleshooting of Routers, switches and firewalls
- Full LAN infrastructure support of servers, desktop, applications and users
- Installed, maintained, monitored and extensive troubleshooting of Windows Operating systems from Windows 98 through to Windows 7 professional
- Troubleshooting and maintenance of Microsoft Exchange 2003 and 2007
- Troubleshooting and maintenance of BES server
- Basic troubleshooting and maintenance of Blackberry hardware and software
- Configuration, maintenance and management of DHCP, DNS Server, Active Directory and IIS
- Extensive use of Active Directory and Group Policies
- Managed, maintained and monitored several clients' backup infrastructure, software and files
- Desktop Maintenance and repair of software and or hardware
- Extensive experience in virus, malware and spyware software and the proper removal any infected machines
- DNS hosting and record changes as required
- Troubleshoot, maintenance and maintain hosted email accounts on a MDaemonPro platform
- Proper maintenance and implementations of security procedures including Internet security
- The upkeep of security measures to drastically limit the possibilities of threats
- The risk management of systems to secure companies processes
- Troubleshooting and connectivity of LAN and WAN connections, configuring new connections and internal connections
- Experience working with clients on a Citrix and /or Terminal server environment
- Assisted on projects and implementation of server virtualization using VMWare platform
- Installed and networked printers and external devices.
Education
Diploma - Network And Internet Security Specialist
Everest College
Newmarket05.2008
DIPLOMA - High School Diploma
I.E. Weldon Secondary School
Lindsay, ON06.2000
Skills
- Maintaining Windows desktop and server platforms
- Strategic Project planning, coordination and management
- IT and Technical Support Management
- IT Budgeting and forecasting
- IT Process Improvement, training and Development
- IT Infrastructure Management and performance metrics
- IT Compliance, incident management and risk management
- IT Procurement, inventory control and asset management
- IT Project Portfolio Management
- Infrastructure Planning and development
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Certified MCSA, Microsoft
Timeline
Director of IT
Guru Studio
01.2023 - 06.2024
IT MANAGER OF CANADA
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CANADA
11.2017 - 01.2023
TECHNICAL ANALYST
GE Hitachi (Compucom Inc.)
02.2014 - 10.2017
IT MANAGER
Flemingview Residence
01.2012 - 02.2014
INFORMATION TECHNICIAN - TECHNICAL SUPPORT ANALYST
City of Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay
01.2011 - 01.2012
SYSTEM ANALYST and IT CONSULTANT
End to End Networks
06.2008 - 01.2011
Diploma - Network And Internet Security Specialist
Everest College
DIPLOMA - High School Diploma
I.E. Weldon Secondary School