Personal Information
- Name: Cory Biever
- Age: 55
- Nationality: Canadian
- Address: Upon Request
- Phone: Upon Request
- Email: Contact Form
Professional Profile
A successful digital journey.
As an early IT adapter dating back to 1990, I was driven to find answers and equally determined to connect people and business communities with technology solutions - universally. My retail computer sales start-up company, network consulting and Information Technology support to rural schools and small businesses was foundational in my digital journey. My IT mindset remains committed to business insight and innovation. A reputation for leading with impact - cultivating culture, seeking consensus among diverse stakeholders, possessing drive and delivering responsible decision making, combining short term planning with long term thinking, resourceful in economic assessments and building community among senior leadership teams, peers, colleagues, customers, business decision makers, suppliers and external agencies.
IT leadership is a world-wide team sport. In my current position since 2014 as Director of Technology with the Brandt Group of Companies, I am recognized as an engaging team leader and trusted advisor with senior management. I know technology maintenance, I understand business strategy and I am a critical thinker who focuses on what is best for the company, its people and customers.
Work Experience
2014 - Present
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
Brandt Group of Companies, Full-Time
- Led the information security risk management team to implement electronic information security controls, partner with data solution providers and ensure the company understands today's cyber threat landscape
- Managed the annual IT budget and provide day-to-day leadership in an operationally intensive business; the largest John Deere construction and forestry equipment company world-wide, connecting 6000 people, 4 countries and 2 continents
- Continue to earn company-wide respect for building key stakeholder relationships and effective teams; recognized as a collaborative and knowledge-sharing leader with a hands-on approach for IT business solutions
- Manage complex internal and outsourced projects: systems design and development with an emphasis on defining, planning, prioritizing, forecasting and implementing IT initiatives - within approved budgets. Most importantly, teams were recognized, milestones were credited and achievements celebrated!
- Conducted extensive research with a broad scope of authority for supply management agreement processes; leveraged vendor capabilities and led the planning and execution of deployment of IT infrastructure that enabled revenue growth from $300M to more than $2.3B while recruiting and retaining twice the number of IT team members
- Play a key role with the John Deere IT Project Partner Planning Team (ITPPT) for roadmapping new solutions, strategic initiatives and identifying growth options
- As Director, continue to develop Brandt's IT infrastructure, standards, governance and new project initiatives. Defined structure, positions, compensation, process and culture to support mergers and acquisitions
2000 - 2014
I.T. MANAGER
Brandt Tractor, Full-Time
- Innovative dot connector: Successfully deployed IT infrastructure to enable expansion of 34 locations across western Canada
- Analyzed budget and resources to reduce costs company-wide by more than 25% by standardizing desktops and laptops
- Masterminded and led the team in defining business processes and selection of Cisco VoIP solution with centralized call center for customer support and dispatch of service calls for business efficiency - with total company buy-in!
- Played a key role in saving more than $200,000 in annual long distance expenses and frame relay services by negotiating new DSL, ATM, PRI networks
- Developed and deployed intranets and multiple diverse systems, enabling access to critical job-site data
- Handled all IT-related hardware and software procurements
- In charge of deploying Topcon GPS tower infrastructure throughout western Canada
- In charge of all cell phone communications and contract negotiations with all carriers
- Team lead working with Ecommerce team for strategic deployment of new commerce site
- Part of core team evaluating new ERP management system
1999 - 2000
SENIOR ANALYST
CGI Regina
- Enthusiastic leadership: Designed and implemented functional and cost-efficient IT systems, administered contract work and was responsible for the daily data centre operations at Ipsco Steel (now Evraz)
- Contributed substantially in providing high-level technical support and systems analysis to identify, prevent, reduce and resolve interruptions in the delivery of IT services
- Used strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster company culture, inspiring teams across the organization to develop higher performance work practices and strengthen employee engagement
- Took the lead in researching and recommending new hardware, software and applications to support and maintain the IT system and network efficiency
1997 - 1999
SENIOR IT SPECIALIST
Advanced Data Systems
- IT is the source of progress: Instrumental in the planning and implementation of the IT infrastructure in addition to providing Novell and Microsoft solutions and needs analysis
- Setup one of only two Panasonic Toughbook distributors in Regina
1997 - 1997
TECHNICAL COORDINATOR
Productivity Point International
- In charge of small Novell network, operational related duties and training
1992 - 1997
OWNER/CEO
New Millennium Technologies
- Started a family PC and network distribution company selling and supporting PCs and small Novell-based networks across Saskatchewan
- Coined our own brand of PC "The Speed Demon" using Vtech exclusive components
Education
School of Hard Knocks
Cory is a self-taught professional working in the IT industry, and has contributed to all technical endeavours he has become involved in.
Executive MBA - In Progress
Looking towards the future, obtaining an Executive MBA is a current vision and goal.
References
I have references. Please ask.
Core Competencies
Team Leadership
Expert, 25+ years
Building technical crews is a rewarding endeavor. I've enjoyed lasting relationships which is key to retention and creating high-performing teams.
IT Management
Advanced, 20+ years
Today I like to help young managers learn the ropes. Mentoring the next generation of IT leaders is personally fulfilling.
Project Management
Expert, 15+ years
I'm detail-oriented and hold project managers to high standards. Delivering on milestones while celebrating achievements is the goal.
Telecommunications
Expert, 18+ years
Being one of the first to implement a nationwide centralized VOIP and call center system taught me invaluable lessons. I'm grateful for that experience as it was a major undertaking across Canada involving significant change management.
IT Strategy
Expert, 25+ years
Keeping ahead of the curve with adherence to ROI for the enterprise is a tough reality few truly understand. I like to think my out-of-the-box thinking keeps things moving forward.
Infrastructure
Expert, 30+ years
Building the correct environment that meets business demands has always been the goal, no matter what the buzzword of the day is.
Process Improvement
Expert, 15+ years
Whether trying to increase productivity, lower costs, improve customer service, or increase sales - there's always a better way. I'm committed to finding it.
Negotiations
Expert, 20+ years
From data and cellular contracts to service agreements, software and system engagements - I've been fortunate to be involved in them all. Building win-win scenarios is the objective.
Contact
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