Data Solutions Manager

Northumberland Ferries Limited; Halifax; On-site; CAD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Northumberland Ferries Limited seeks a Data Solutions Manager to lead the data, reporting, and application portfolio in a maritime operations setting. You will steer governance, analytics, and AI-enabled initiatives across IT and business teams to enable real-time decisions and safer, more efficient ferry operations.

Ideal candidates will bring 4–7 years in IT operations or data coordination, with strong Microsoft 365 experience, Power BI skills, and a collaborative, communicative approach with

Qualifications

• Experience leading data and applications initiatives across IT and business units.
• Strong ability to translate business needs into technical specifications.
• Experience with governance, metadata, and data classifications.
• Proven vendor management and contract coordination skills.
• Ability to drive AI-enabled data initiatives responsibly.

Responsibilities

• Lead administration, configuration, and support of applications and digital platforms.
• Oversee end-to-end project delivery for data, reporting, and integrations.
• Establish data standards, governance, metadata, and access controls.
• Collaborate with Operations, Safety, Finance, and People & Culture to deliver solutions.
• Champion adoption of AI with governance and risk control.

Skills

Data governance

Power BI

Microsoft 365

Vendor management

Project management

Requirements gathering

Communication

Education

Degree or diploma in Information Systems or related field

Tools

SharePoint

Teams

Job description

Location: Halifax, NS | Charlottetown, PE | Saint John, NB

Reports To: Director, IT & Data Management

Build the Digital Foundation of Ferry Operations

Northumberland Ferries Limited (NFL) and Bay Ferries Limited (BFL) are seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking Data Solutions Manager to lead our application portfolio, data infrastructure, and reporting ecosystem.

This role is ideal for someone who is experienced at leading software transition initiatives and is adept at working with vendors to meet business goals. The role will lead the selection and integration of practical, scalable solutions that improve operations and support real time decision making. As the technical lead for data and business applications, you will also play a key role in shaping how systems, workflows, integrations, and information are governed across the organization.

You will work closely with teams across Operations, Safety, Finance, and People & Culture to deliver solutions that support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry operations.

This is an exciting opportunity to help modernize systems, strengthen data governance, and support future AI-enabled growth in a dynamic transportation environment.

Key Responsibilities

Application Management & Automation

• Lead the administration, configuration, and support of company applications and digital platforms
• Manage full application lifecycles including implementation, enhancements, integrations, vendor coordination, and decommissioning
• Identify opportunities for automation and digital transformation to improve efficiency and user experience
• Support, optimize and lead governance for Microsoft 365 platforms with an emphasis on evolving SharePoint and Teams into structured, well-governed collaboration tools
• Champion adoption of AI while ensuring responsible use and governance
• Collaborate within IT team to align security, identity, and access standards

Project Delivery & Business Partnerships

• Lead projects related to data, reporting, applications, integrations, and AI
• Lead requirements-gathering and vendor/contractor management for system integrations across business applications
• Lead system transitions from requirements gathering through structured RFPs, vendor selection, implementation, migration, training, and go-live
• Partner with business teams to translate operational needs into digital solutions
• Ensure strong change management and user adoption across offices, terminals, and vessels
• Manage vendor relationships, SaaS licensing, and service delivery expectations

Data, Reporting & Analytics

• Own the requirements, vendor relationship, and ongoing governance of a centralized data hub to support operational analytics and reporting
• Audit vendor-managed platforms to clarify data ownership
• Manage self-service dashboards, KPIs, and scheduled reporting using business intelligence tools such as Power BI
• Establish and maintain data standards, governance, metadata, lineage, access controls, and data classifications
• Explore use of Microsoft Purview including sensitivity labels, retention policies, and data loss prevention (DLP)

What You Bring

• Degree or diploma in Information Systems, Business Technology, Data Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 4 to 7 years of progressive experience in IT operations, systems administration, data coordination, or business process management—ideally within transportation, logistics, supply chain, or a related sector.
• Strong software project management experience
• Experience administering and optimizing Microsoft 365 environments, particularly SharePoint and Teams
• Hands-on experience with Power BI or comparable business intelligence tools considered an asset
• Strong requirements-writing skills — able to translate ambiguous or unstructured business needs into clear specifications and vendor evaluation criteria.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills; able to translate technical concepts into plain language for non-technical stakeholders
• Understanding of confidentiality, privacy, audit, and governance requirements
• Commitment to supporting a strong, just-cause safety culture

Working Conditions

This is an office-based administrative and technical role located in one of our office locations in Halifax, Charlottetown, or Saint John. Periodic travel to terminals, vessels, and other company locations, including occasional overnight travel, will be required.

Occasional work outside regular business hours may be required to support urgent platform or system matters.

Why Join Us?

At NFL-BFL, technology supports critical transportation services connecting communities and supporting regional economies. You’ll have the opportunity to shape enterprise data practices, modernize systems, and deliver meaningful digital improvements that directly support operations.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Information

Job Location

Halifax, NS / Saint John, NB / Charlottetown, PE

Industry

Transportation

Job Function

Information Technology & Data Management

Job Type

Full-time

Compensation

$82000.00 to $92000.00 per year