Manager, Data Infrastructure

JOIN US IN ENABLING TRADE THROUGH CANADA'S LARGEST PORT.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is an arm’s-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate, as outlined in the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada’s trade objectives on behalf of all Canadians, ensuring the safe movement of goods through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment and considering local communities.

As an organization with a significant impact on communities and businesses across Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. We strive to create a workplace that mirrors the richness of our community, empowering all employees to achieve their full potential.

The manager, data infrastructure is responsible for designing, evolving, and operating the enterprise data platform and architecture that underpins the organization’s analytics and digital capabilities. This role leads the development and operation of secure, scalable, and modern data infrastructure, including data platforms, integration pipelines, and storage solutions such as databases, data warehouses, and data lakes, supporting operational reporting, predictive analytics, and emerging AI/ML workloads across the enterprise.

Reporting to the director, information services, the manager leads a team of data developers, engineers, and administrators, overseeing enterprise data operations to ensure availability, performance, and compliance. The role shapes and enables enterprise data governance practices, collaborating across IS teams, business units, and with the business intelligence team to foster a data-driven culture and support insight-led decision-making.

What you do:

• Lead modernization of enterprise data platforms, including migration of on-premises systems (SQL Server, SSRS) to hybrid or cloud-based solutions, primarily on Azure with multi-cloud flexibility.
• Define and deliver the data infrastructure roadmap, ensuring scalability, security and cost efficiency.
• Oversee enterprise data architecture, establishing authoritative data sources, standardized models, and optimal flows aligned with business needs.
• Guide adoption of modern integration technologies to enable secure, reliable, and scalable data ingestion, transformation, processing, and exchange with partners.
• Optimize and enhance both cloud-native and hybrid data platforms to ensure scalability, cost efficiency, and alignment with performance, availability, and operational objectives.
• Lead Master Data Management (MDM) initiatives and enterprise-wide governance framework, including metadata management, cataloging, lineage tracking, and regulatory compliance.
• Establish and enforce policies for secure data access, sharing, and analysis, while driving improvements in data quality, reliability, and compliance.
• Promote data literacy and accountability across departments, fostering responsible data use and stewardship. Data strategy and analytics enablement.
• Define and execute a data infrastructure strategy that supports advanced analytics and prepares the organization for future ML/AI initiatives, including modern batch and streaming capabilities.
• Build a modern analytics environment enabling governed self-service, streamlined reporting, and efficient decision support.
• Collaborate across IS and with business stakeholders, to align infrastructure and governance with reporting and analytical requirements.
• Manage daily operations of enterprise data infrastructure, including on-premise systems (SQL Server, SSRS) and cloud platform (Microsoft Fabric, Azure SQL, Power BI).
• Oversee incident resolution, data and reporting requests, database maintenance, and pipeline monitoring to ensure stability, security, and timely delivery of data services.
• Oversee the maintenance of documentation, runbooks, and workflows to support continuity and effective knowledge transfer.
• Manage vendor relationships, licensing, and performance metrics to ensure reliable and cost-effective platform operations.
• Manage, negotiation and execution of required technology licenses for areas of responsibility.
• Manage contract preparation and negotiation, execution, and final acceptance of deliverables.

What you bring:

• Relevant degree in computer science, information technology, or another acceptable technology area.
• A minimum of 5 years of related experience at a technical team leadership or management level, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.

Must have demonstrated experience with the following:

• Managing enterprise data infrastructure, including both on-premises systems (SQL Server, SSRS) and cloud-based platforms.
• Leading or playing a key role in data platform modernization initiatives, including migrations to hybrid or cloud (Azure preferred).
• Hands-on experience with Azure data services (e.g., Fabric, Data Factory, Synapse, Power BI), with the ability to guide technical teams and contribute to solution design when required.
• Strong background in data architecture, ETL operations, database administration, and performance optimization, with an understanding of modern data integration practices.
• Exposure to Master Data Management (MDM) concepts and involvement in implementing MDM systems or establishing data governance practices.
• Knowledge of data quality, security, and compliance standards.
• Experience with automation, scripting (PowerShell, Python), and CI/CD.
• Proven leadership of senior technical teams and management of vendors/contractors.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and project delivery skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing technical and professional development.

The following will be considered an asset:

• Designing advanced architecture for analytics, ML, and AI, with the ability to evaluate on-premises, cloud, and multi-cloud solutions.
• Familiarity with open-source and modern data frameworks/tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt, Kafka, PostgreSQL) to complement Microsoft environments, including ETL/ELT, streaming, and real-time data processing.
• Experience with data governance and cataloging tools, including metadata management practices, and exposure to IoT data integration and analytics.
• Programming or development experience demonstrating technical depth, along with proficiency in project management and collaboration tools (Jira, Smartsheet, SharePoint Online). Relevant certifications such as Azure Data Engineer, ITIL, CDMP, or equivalent cloud/data credentials. Relevant certifications (Azure Data Engineer, ITIL, CDMP, or equivalent).

What we offer:

• Market-competitive base salaries and variable incentive plan
• Generous and inclusive benefits offering including retirement benefits plan
• Flexible remote work program
• Earned time off program
• Paid vacation and personal care leave
• Learning, development, and advancement opportunities
• Onsite gym with towel service in a national landmark in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront
• Friendly, unique, and respectful workplace

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Job type: Exempt, Full-Time, Permanent, Hybrid

Working environment: Normal office conditions but may require a flexible work schedule.

MARINE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY CLEARANCE

The incumbent must obtain and maintain a valid Marine Transportation Security Clearance as this position is required to access restricted areas/information as defined by the Marine Transportation Security Regulations.

This is Canadian-based employment, and it is expected that all employees maintain legal entitlement to work in Canada. Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be subject to background checks, including but not limited to criminal record, credit, and/or reference checks.

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and members of visible minorities. Reasonable accommodation can be provided in the selection process and while working with the port authority. If you require support applying to our openings, please contact us at [email protected] .

We recognize and acknowledge that we are located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. To learn more about our indigenous relations and commitment to reconciliation, please visit our website .