Toronto Fire Services (TFS) is the largest municipal fire service in Canada, serving a diverse population of over 3 million residents- and this number increases during the exciting events that Toronto hosts, such as concerts, sports events, and conferences. Toronto Fire Services supports our hospitals, government buildings, and our Toronto airports.

TFS is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to drive modernization and innovation across our technology and communications portfolio. This role will lead the development and execution of strategies that transform TFS’ digital infrastructure, radio systems, and communications programs to meet the evolving needs of emergency services. Reporting to the Fire Chief, you will collaborate across divisions to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions that enhance operational efficiency and emergency response capabilities.

Major Responsibilities

As the leader of TFS’ technology portfolio, you will provide strategic vision and direction for all technology and communications initiatives. Leading the development of policies, programs, and modernization strategies, providing guidance and advice on technology priorities, and building governance frameworks, you will drive long-term organizational success and innovation. In this role, you will manage and inspire a diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Through strong leadership and relationship-building, you will position TFS to leverage emerging technologies and deliver resilient, future-ready solutions that support emergency services and public safety.

The Deputy Fire Chief- Technology will oversee the development and execution of long-term modernization strategies for fire stations, fleet, communications, and digital systems, and lead large-scale capital projects including facility upgrades, networked systems, and resilient infrastructure. A key responsibility will be driving digital transformation across fire operations, including dispatch, incident command systems, and data analytics, while ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide IT standards and innovation frameworks. You will provide strategic advice to the Fire Chief and Command Team on technology infrastructure priorities and capital allocation and collaborate with senior leaders to define and execute a digital business strategy.

This role also includes overseeing lifecycle planning, procurement, and vendor management for major infrastructure and technology investments, maintaining knowledge of emerging technologies, and championing the adoption of smart technologies to enhance emergency response and operational efficiency. You will ensure compliance with legislative requirements and collective agreements, participate in labour relations processes, and represent TFS at City Council, committees, and public events. Additionally, you will participate in emergency operations on a 24/7basis as required, develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans, and build collaborative relationships across the Toronto Public Service and with external partners.

Key Qualifications:

1. Considerable senior-level experience managing technology programs and services, including radio and communications systems, with a large, complex organization.

2. Considerable experience leading strategic planning and modernization initiatives, including digital transformation and infrastructure renewal.

3. Considerable experience managing large-scale capital projects and technology portfolios, including lifecycle planning, procurement, and vendor management.

4. Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to set vision, motivate and inspire, foster innovation, and build high-performing teams.

5. Excellent collaboration and relationship-building skills, with experience working effectively with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders.

6.  Knowledge of IT governance, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity principles, and emerging technologies, with the ability to apply these to operational strategies.

7. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a focus on achieving organizational goals and improving service delivery.

8. Experience in emergency services or public safety is considered an asset.