Job Details

Lithium Americas is a publicly listed, development-stage company with a focus on developing a sustainable, diversified supply of lithium chemicals that underpin the future of energy storage and mobile transportation. We unlock value through safe operation of our sites, understanding the key value drivers, needs of our customers and the communities in which we operate, whilst taking an innovative and practical approach to the challenges we face. We work closely as an organization and with key stakeholders to deliver solutions.

Role

The Vice President Information Technology will oversee all design development and implementation projects in addition to existing infrastructure, network, security, applications (including SAP), and general day-to-day IT support. Qualities such as accountability, planning, management, and an ability to prioritize are essential in this role.

This position will be based in our Vancouver Corporate Office or our Reno Business Office. The Vice President, Information Technology will report to the EVP & CFO.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the design, development, implementation, and support of IT infrastructure including hardware, software and networks.
• Manage IT Budget for the entire organization. Forecast and plan potential infrastructure upgrades and improvements.
• Maintain effective cybersecurity programs. Develop educational programs for IT staff and end users within the company.
• Maintain organization's effectiveness and efficiency by defining, delivering, and supporting strategic plans for implementing and monitoring information technologies.
• Build and maintain strong business relationships ensuring IT is aligned with business objectives and helps drive value to the business.
• Manage 3rd party vendors critical to the success of the IT strategy and roadmap (e.g. data center, application providers, licenses, etc.). This includes managing directly on-site and remote third-party IT vendors to ensure support tickets are being resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.
• In conjunction with IT vendors, identify and act on opportunities to improve and update infrastructure, systems, and software.
• Manage IT staff providing strategic movement and education improvements.
• Manage execution of IT projects including SAP implementation at Thacker Pass.
• Managing project and day-to-day work backlog of team ensuring work is appropriate and prioritized to meet business objectives and demands.
• Provide technical and functional leadership to project managers and programmers working on development project teams.
• Recommend information technology strategies, policies, and procedures by evaluating organization outcomes, identifying problems, evaluating trends, and anticipating requirements.
• Plan and manage an effective cybersecurity education and awareness campaign.
• Review and approve all IT projects including system updates, upgrades, migrations, and outages.
• Oversee the development, installation, configuration and deployment of new applications, systems software, and/or enhancements to existing applications throughout the enterprise.
• Oversee projects by coordinating resources and schedules with IT vendors and users.
• Preserve IT assets by implementing disaster recovery & back-up procedures and information security/control structures.
• Work directly with the Internal Audit team to ensure compliance with controls and company regulatory policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Computer Science, with fifteen (15) or more years of previous experience in information technology is required; at least six (6) years of management experience is required, preferably with Companies that have undertaken large-scale development projects like Thacker Pass, with associated IT requirements. An advanced degree in Information Systems or Computer Science plus global mining experience is preferred. The Vice President IT must possess significant experience in Information Systems and have the ability to communicate frequently and clearly with management and staff. Experience managing IT vendors in delivery of infrastructure and application support services, and management of cybersecurity in a public company environment is essential.

Demonstrated experience in developing and monitoring budgets, as well as experience in IT strategic planning and developing technology roadmaps is essential. Experience with ERP implementation in a manufacturing or mineral extraction or processing industry is desired. Strong PC, SharePoint, and MS Office skills are also required. ITIL, Network, SAP, project management or other relevant IT certifications are desired.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Problem solver and critical thinker with excellent verbal and writing skills.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate/interface with all levels of the organization's management and staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; Advanced problem resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly dynamic organization, including organizations with projects in the development stage, able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and comfortable in a highly-accountable organizational culture.
• Must be self-directed and able to handle a demanding workload.
• Ability to negotiate services contracts and license agreements with consultants and vendors.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, IT governance, and risk management in a publicly traded environment.
• Strong knowledge of cloud computing, cybersecurity, ERP systems and data analytics.
• Ability to manage IT budgets and drive cost-effective solutions.