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Interim Director of IT Security
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Interim IT Director (Cyber Security Focus)

Employment Type: Contract (3–4 months)

Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid)

Rate: $80/hr - $90/hr

Industry: Financial Services / FinTech

Position Type: Existing Vacancy

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About the Opportunity

Our client, a private equity-backed FinTech organization, is seeking an Interim IT Director with a strong cybersecurity focus to bridge a critical leadership gap. Reporting into the IT, Legal & Finance Operations Lead, you will step into a high-visibility role where safeguarding material non-public information (MNPI) is central to the business.

You will inherit a fully cloud-based environment and a small, capable IT team that requires senior guidance and structure following the departure of a long-tenured IT Manager. Over a 3–4 month engagement starting in early January, you will stabilize day-to-day operations, lead a strategic review of the IT and security landscape, and shape a future-state roadmap—informing whether the function should be led by a permanent Director or transitioned to a Managed Security Service Provider. This is an opportunity to make an immediate impact in a sophisticated, fast-paced, private equity context.

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Key Responsibilities

  • Lead an accelerated knowledge transfer from the outgoing IT Manager, capturing institutional knowledge, current IT roadmap, and budget status.
  • Take ownership of day-to-day IT operations, ensuring business continuity across maintenance, monitoring, server updates, and emergency patching.
  • Act as the senior point of escalation for a small internal IT team (specialist and analysts), providing direction and oversight.
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of the current cloud-based infrastructure (AWS) and core business systems (e.g., Google Workspace, Salesforce, NetSuite, Rippling, Island.io).
  • Assess and optimize cybersecurity posture, including identity and access management (IAM), security protocols, and controls around platform migrations (e.g., Concur to Ramp).
  • Evaluate and refine policies for enterprise AI tools (e.g., Gemini Enterprise) versus personal AI accounts (e.g., ChatGPT), and define secure AI usage standards via the enterprise browser.
  • Prepare a formal “build vs. buy” recommendation on whether to recruit a permanent IT/Cybersecurity leader or transition to an MSSP model (e.g., Arctic Wolf).
  • Support hiring efforts if a permanent Director is selected, including participating in interviews and providing technical assessment of candidates.
  • Develop a 12‑month IT and cybersecurity roadmap aligned with private equity efficiency, risk management, and scalability objectives.
  • Provide executive-level communication and reporting on IT and security risks, controls, and priorities to senior leadership.

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What You Bring

  • Approximately 15+ years of progressive experience in IT and cybersecurity, including leadership of small to mid-sized teams.
  • Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or equivalent.
  • Proven background operating in private equity-backed or similarly performance-driven environments, with a clear “playbook” for stabilizing and maturing IT/security functions.
  • Hands-on experience managing cloud-centric infrastructures, ideally with AWS and SaaS-based business applications (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, NetSuite).
  • Strong knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, including IAM, endpoint security, email and phishing protection, and security awareness tools.
  • Familiarity with security stacks similar to: SSO platforms (e.g., OneLogin), security awareness tools (e.g., KnowBe4), email security (e.g., Mimecast), and enterprise browsers (e.g., Island.io).
  • Experience working with or evaluating Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and outsourced security models.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly absorb complex environments and assume responsibility for operational continuity under tight timelines.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technology and cyber risk into business and financial language for executive stakeholders.
  • Self-starter mindset, comfortable operating with limited direction from finance and legal leadership while driving outcomes and making clear recommendations.

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Next Steps

We do appreciate all interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Clarity Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and workplace. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Please note: We use AI-assisted tools for notetaking during the screening process.

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About Clarity Recruitment

Clarity is an executive search and recruitment firm specializing in Finance & Accounting talent across Canada - from accountants to CFOs. Additionally, Clarity partners with organizations to hire exceptional talent in HR, Operations, and IT, helping build the teams that power business success. Our process is designed to minimize risk, maximize alignment, and move quickly. With dedicated practices in Executive Search, Full-Time Search, and Project & Interim Consulting, we help organizations grow with confidence. Visit findingclarity.ca to learn more!


JOB ID # 3508129

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